John McCain

McCain, Palin Slip into Easy Camaraderie at First Joint Town Hall

By Robert Barnes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- "John? John?'' Sarah Palin called to John McCain. "Can I add somethin'?''

Turns out what the Alaska governor wanted to add to McCain's answer during a town hall meeting here tonight was that the man at the top of the Republican ticket was "a bit too humble.''

The whole evening was a lot like that.

McCain and Palin made their first joint appearance in a town hall setting tonight but it actually was more like a pep rally.

Before a loud and blissful Republican crowd in the gym of Grand Rapids Community College, McCain and Palin fielded questions from a former Hillary Rodham Clinton supporter who now backs McCain; another woman who asked for advice on recruiting Hispanic supporters for the ticket; and a Vietnam veteran who simply told McCain, "May the grace of God be with you always, sir.''

Hardball, it was not.

It was the first time the folksy Palin has taken questions from voters since she was named to the ticket, and many of them seemed designed to allow her to answer critics.

One woman wanted to give her the chance to address those who say Palin can't be a mother and vice president. "Well, let's prove 'em wrong,'' Palin said to cheers.

She talked about her role if the ticket is elected: "Let me tell you, I know a little bit about energy. That's gonna be my baby when I get to Washington, D.C.''

She was less sure-footed when asked about her "perceived lack of foreign policy experience.''

Palin gave a long, winding answer that began with her saying she expected criticism because she is a "Washington outsider'' and ended with her asserting, "I'll be ready'' come Inauguration Day.

McCain piped in: "She's commander of the Alaskan National Guard.''

McCain's senior advisers were cheering the performance, but, not surprisingly, the Obama campaign was not impressed. "Senator McCain and Governor Palin may have taken questions together for the first time, but they didn't give a single answer about what they would do differently from George Bush to fix the economy,'' said Obama-Biden campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor.

McCain and Palin are changing the normal dynamics of a presidential ticket, spending as much time together as campaigning apart. The two held a rally last night in Ohio, the town hall meeting today, and will campaign together in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota before the end of the week.

McCain clearly likes the charge Palin brings to the crowd -- many women hold Palin signs written in lipstick -- and the two are working out a partnership on stage. After McCain answered one question from a supporter, he turned to Palin and asked if she had anything to add.

The simple visual of the 72-year-old Washington veteran and the 44-year-old first-term governor is a striking reminder they form a different kind of political team, and the two go out of their way to try to make the case that they would be radical reformers of Washington.

"He is the maverick of the Senate, let's send him to the White House!'' Palin says by way of introduction.

He in turn even points out their differences, although they are not numerous. "What do you expect of two mavericks?'' he asked the crowd. "Agree on everything? Eh!''

And the two have already found their closing statement. Tonight, McCain turned over the microphone to Palin to let her close the meeting.

She told the audience that Sen. Barack Obama and the Democrats like to say that they are "fighting for you'' in this election.

"Well, there is only one man in this race who has ever really fought for you,'' Palin said. "And that's Sen. John McCain.''

Joe in NYC: An obnoxious New Yorker? What are the odds? How do you type without opposable thumbs?

Posted by: NickinVA | September 19, 2008 7:34 AM

If Palin and McCain don't win, do you think Ms Palin's new son-in-law will be angered that the Republicans pressured him into getting married?

Will he divorce her?

Place your bets.

Posted by: Levi Johnston | September 19, 2008 2:55 AM

If the Republicans win, it looks it will be a Palin/McCain Presidency. Palin pretty well said as much today in Iowa.

Posted by: Oscar | September 18, 2008 11:52 PM

"Socialistic", "Big Goverment", give it up with your republican scare tactics. The fact is the Bush administration wants to spend "trillions" of dollars to fix the mess they made. We have never seen such "big" socialistic goverment in the history of this country!

In fact, if you look at the last 4 presidents, the only one that didn't go on a spending spree was Clinton. Big Goverment my ass.

"Foreigner raises an interesting point. The reason why Obama is so well received in Europe is because they are familiar with and agree with his European-style socialist government concept for the US. High taxes, high degree of government control over society.

That is the most hilarious thing I ever heard. I am a Dane temporarily living in California, and I pay more taxes here. The average tax rate in N. Europe is +- 30%.

For our money, we get: free education through university (and check out some statistics about the quality of that education, or the workforce it produces), almost-free healthcare, plus a private health care sector where you truly can choose your own doctor and get an appointment _same day_ (not like here in the US where you have limited choice from your health plan and most of the docs are not accepting new patients). The private sector _without insurance help_ is cheaper than US healthcare because - lo and behold - the private sector is regulated by an actual free market and supply and demand, not by milking insurance companies. The big difference is that doctors make a lot less!!

It's crazy that anyone spreads these lies about them foreign countries in this day and age, when global stats and numbers are readily available online.

Check out international comparisons about social mobility: USA has the same social mobility as Britain, Mexico and Pakistan - below every other Western industrialized country. Estonia and Czech Republic are way ahead on the American Dream! You can't make your own fortune in this country, whereas in Northern Europe the social mobility index is tremendous and you really can be born to any social class and end up incredibly successful.

Fact-based governance is not something Americans are good at, preferring to base things on faith and make stuff up to support it. The results are obvious, and US world dominance is going to be over in the next 10 years.

More room on the top for us highly-educated, healthy, thin, productive Northern Europeans!

Posted by: Johan | September 18, 2008 11:14 PM

Nick in VA,

You are just plain D-Head........
why don't you go and suck mcCain's rotten
"D" . i am sure you need real help go and
have treatment to your self then you go for
VOTE......

Posted by: Joe In NYC | September 18, 2008 11:05 PM

"Socialistic", "Big Goverment", give it up with your republican scare tactics. The fact is the Bush administration wants to spend "trillions" of dollars to fix the mess they made. We have never seen such "big" socialistic goverment in the history of this country!

In fact, if you look at the last 4 presidents, the only one that didn't go on a spending spree was Clinton. Big Goverment my ass.

"Foreigner raises an interesting point. The reason why Obama is so well received in Europe is because they are familiar with and agree with his European-style socialist government concept for the US. High taxes, high degree of government control over society.

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 8:41 PM"

Posted by: Jeff | September 18, 2008 10:28 PM

I thought old man McCain was funny. I'm glad to see he added his new sidekick to the mix. After they lose in November, the two of them can do stand-up comedy. As they say, God watches over these United States and She weon't let McCain-Palin ever happen.

Posted by: God's Choice | September 18, 2008 10:09 PM

Palin is not afraid to do town hall meetings because McCain protects her from tough questions, they both stood their and sucked up to each other forever. I am sure Cindy is getting tired of that smooch crap, because in truth...that is how she got him.
Palin is not ready for anything other than being a hockey mom and gov. of Alaska, a state with few people and more animals. For the record after she was for the bridge, she was against it..after she told Washington no thanks..she took the money.
Sara Palin is an opportunist and if she thinks that she is going to have a protector when she has to negotiate with foreign leaders, she has another think coming...they all thought our current Prez was an idiot...and he is smarter than Palin.

Posted by: Jbocky | September 18, 2008 9:51 PM

Look at Twiddle-Dee and Twiddle-Dumb; what a lovely couple (watch it Cindy; your replacement lurks near).

They do nothing but blow smoke up each other arses and hope the Americans drink the kool-aid; not this GOPer turned rabid Obama-can. No way, no how, no McLame!

Posted by: Black and Bitter Like Coffee | September 18, 2008 9:37 PM

I watched most of the Town Hall Meeting and have to agree with that it really was just an endless amount of ego-stroking. No real issues were spoken of. There were no difficult questions posed to either Palin or McCain.

The American public will tune in watch thinking they will hear something new...something of substance. The American public wants to make an educated decision this time around and this is ultimately a waste of their time.

This is the reason I have made it my responsibility to find the answers I need through other resources. If you're also frustrated and find yourself needing more answers without having to wade through the bias and fluff, then please check out this online news organization. You won't be sorry.

Please check this out ... the most comprehensive page of information on Sarah Palin on the Internet ... including videos of her saying the Iraq war is a "task from God," stating her proposed $30 billion pipeline is the “will of God,” and that a month ago that she doesn’t know what the vice-president does. Also her recently praising the biggest pork barrel spender in Congress -

It has in-depth research, audio clips, videos, excerpts, and links to hundreds of articles, including many from newspapers and TV stations in Alaska. It has rare footage footage you won’t find anywhere else, including her telling the ‘08 convention of the Alaskan Independence Party, whose aim is to give Alaska a vote on seceding from the U.S., to “keep up the good work.” The level of research is unparalleled.

The site’s editors and volunteers include an Emmy-award winning CNN reporter, the former operating editor of the Monitor’s web site, the former head of NPRs News Blog and the Executive Director of the Online News Association -

Foreigner raises an interesting point. The reason why Obama is so well received in Europe is because they are familiar with and agree with his European-style socialist government concept for the US. High taxes, high degree of government control over society.

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 8:41 PM

Town hall meetings are McCain’s favorite way to campaign. He holds them far more often than the major stadium rallies Obama holds. They each have comfort zones thats fine I don't find it a big deal ... The issues are what matters how ever they are delivered

Posted by: Adrienne | September 18, 2008 8:39 PM

Foreigner (luv your music btw)

Do you know the income tax rates in Northern Europe, particularly Scandanavia? 80%+. We, in the US, don't believe in cradle-to-grave socialism. You are welcome to elect Obama as Prime Minister of Sweden, Norway etc.

Posted by: NickinVa | September 18, 2008 8:31 PM

Foreigner (luv your music btw)

Do you know the income tax rates in Northern Europe, particularly Scandanavia? 80%+. We, in the US, don't believe in cradle-to-grave socialism. You are welcome to elect Obama as Prime Minister of Sweden, Norway etc.

Posted by: NickinVa | September 18, 2008 8:31 PM

NickVa wrote at 5:07 PM:"National Health Care System. Sound familiar? Little like Cuba maybe?"
Mr. NickVa: Do you have passport?
Well: Norway (the best life index of the world), Sweden (the second one), Denmark, England, France, Germany, Spain have a National Health Care System. These countries aren't communists. Norway has and Sweden had more than 30 years of Democratic-Social governments.
Mr. Nick: DO NOT BE SO SELFISH. Why do Republicans hate the poors? Are you and conservatives really christians?

Posted by: From a foreigner | September 18, 2008 8:19 PM

You get what you pay for. Thats what happens when you put a college drop out on the ticket. She will insure a Barack Obama victory. Thanks

Posted by: brock101 | September 18, 2008 8:04 PM

EGO.
easing god out

Posted by: GOD | September 18, 2008 8:02 PM

Belittle the townhall debate all you want. It doesn't detract from the fact that Obama (1) lied when he say said he'd debate McCain "any time any where" and (2) he punked-out when McCain called him out.

How is Obama's lying about debating McCain any time any where different from Palin "lying" about saying no to congress about the bridge to nowhere?

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 7:48 PM

foreigner - you are being misled. The largest social programs ever put into place were done by republicans.

More minorities have been appointed by republicans - by far - than by the left.

Take a good look at the Clinton administration and the Bush administration.

By far, charitable donations by the right outweigh those by the left.

Taxing rich people does not help over all economics. The inconvenient truth is that rich people are the ones who create jobs. Not the poor, not the left, not government. If a government creates a hostile environment for rich people, they can and do take their money elsewhere.

It makes for great campaign rhetoric for the left who make their livings out of pretending they care a bout working people - but it is not sound logic.

When it comes to the "working man's party" - what has the left done in the last two years+ to encourage jobs? Have they put brakes on foreign imports which steal American jobs?

No.

Have they made moves to restrict illegal labor which artificially depresses wages on Americans and legal immigrants?

No.

Have the leftists who control the banking and commerce committees done anything (other than solicit bribes) to curb wall street and fannie mae/freddie mac abuses?

Not only no - but they actively worked against reining in FM/FM.

So, before you make stupid assertions again - do you homework. Don't listen to the rhetoric and nonsense spouted by Obama and his supporters. They truly think you are stupid - don't prove them right.

Having said all this - I am just as offended by Washington's abuses. But - Obama is not the answer.

Read his speeches and dissect them for content. They are as empty as his suit.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 7:40 PM

McCain said today...

“Senator Obama is not interested in the politics of hope. He’s interested in his political future. That’s why he is hurtling insults and making up facts.”

No John you have it confused replace his name with yours.
Unbelievable (in every way)

Posted by: Pain | September 18, 2008 7:37 PM

Anonymous -

I guess it depends on your definition of "yes". Enough with the weasle words. He agreed. Oh and did agressively pursue and agreement? BS. Once he started raking in the contributions, he reneged. Typical political move. He is a liar.

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 7:33 PM

Ok a nice comfy fake town hall.
Thats not going to convince me that McCain is fit to run the country.

I have just watched Mrs.Palin's speech on TV today. It seems Mrs.Palin repeats the same old lies Republicans have always told about Democrats every four years: "They'll rise up taxes for everybody". As I know, IT IS NOT TRUE. Obama and Biden are talking about taxes on 5% of the wealthy people. If she lies... Bush and Cheney lie as well - till today. QUOTE VOLTAIRE: "Lie, lie, and lie again. A repeated lie becomes true"!
Why do Republicans are so selfish, hateful and...liars?

Posted by: From a foreigner | September 18, 2008 7:29 PM

To all you folks out there questioning Palin's qualifications - apply those same questions - HONESTLY - to your presidential candidate.

To all of you who had such fun getting so much mileage out of Cheney's deferments - please tell us why you are so silent about Biden's.

This is why you will lose. America doesn't tolerate hypocrisy and you all are steeped in it.

BTW, recently Obama made some smartass comment about McCain being on the Commerce Committee - at least McCain was really ON the committee. Unlike the messiah blowing smoke up the butts of his adoring legions in Germany.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 7:13 PM

He was a limp wristed man he was said to be handsome
And she was questionably pretty
She propped him up and he held us for ransom
In the heart of a blue, blue city
He had a nasty reputation as a vote fixin dude
They said he was spineless he should have been sued
They had one thing in common
They were vile little reds
She said, faster, faster.
register the dead.

Life in the left lane
Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the left lane

Are you with me so far?

Eager for power not for the name
The calling attraction the throwing of the game
They knew all the left people
They took most of the right pills
They threw outrageous parties
We paid heavenly bills
There were lines on the mirror, lines on his face
She pretended not to notice he was losing the race
Out every evening until it was light
Chris was too tired to fake it, Fox was too tired to fight about it

Life in the left lane
Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the left lane
Life in the left lane
Everything all the time
Life in the left lane

Glowing and burning blinded by greed
They didn’t see the polls drop
It was all about their screed
She said, listen baby. Listen to the rev.
weve been going here for years, nobody knows a thing.
He said, call a lawyer. I think Ive got a rash.
Edwards say hes coming but you gotta pay in cash.
They were rushin to November,
Messed around and got lost
They didn’t care they were just dying to be boss and it was

Life in the left lane
Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the left lane
Life in the left lane
Everything all the time
Life in the left lane

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 6:47 PM

What is really depressing is the realization that half of the people voting for people running for public office are below average intelligence. No lie!

Posted by: Old Coot | September 18, 2008 6:42 PM

If this town hall meeting wasn't a wake up call again to people that this women is not ready to be VP listen to the answers she gave she couldn't even answer a simple question that wasn't complex about Palin being ready, she quote and said if this is another qotcha question I'll tell you the specifics but she never gave of any...then Mccain jumps in with she's been govenor of Alaska well tell us something we don't already know about Sarah ...we get that but what qualifies her? What has she done that make her qualified?

I think somewhere in Mccain's worphed sense of thinking they're both confused.

bottom line America Mccain is too old to be President and Palin simply not ready to be VP.

I agree with Chuck Hagel the republican senator let's stop all of this nonsense and admit that McCain is risky to President and Palin is scarier to be VP a heartbeat away from President.

America we deserve better than this let's not only fire Bush but let's not even hire McCain/Palin.

Obama/Biden

Posted by: Jacie - San Leandro, Ca | September 18, 2008 6:10 PM

What bothers me even more is her stonewalling a Legislative investigation on regarding the trooper ,if you have nothing to hide and first state that you welcome all investigation then change your mind? and all the little lies about selling the jet on ebay ,firing the chef etc .. if you lie about little things how do you handle big matters? more lies?

Posted by: Adrienne | September 18, 2008 5:44 PM

"Well, there is only one man in this race who has ever really fought for you,'' Palin said. "And that's Sen. John McCain.''

And those are probably the truest words spoken so far during this presidential campaign.

Bravo to Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin. I am looking forward to voting for them.

Posted by: McCain/Palin '08 | September 18, 2008 5:44 PM

NickinVA,

"In fact, Mr. Obama stopped short of making a flat promise to participate in the public financing system. Asked in a questionnaire whether he would take part if his opponents did the same, Mr. Obama wrote yes. But he added, “If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/us/politics/20obamacnd.html

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 5:18 PM

Barracuda aka Praying Mantis is showing her true colors already! She calls it the Palin-McCain ticket. Expect more "lapses" in the next weeks - she can't help herself. She considers him dead already.

Posted by: Robert | September 18, 2008 5:09 PM

You mean like calling your running mate "Barack America", Joe Biden. Or maybe introducing Joe Biden as "the next president of the United States", Barack Obama. That's the same Obama who told Stephanopoulos that he was a muslim.

Please, if do you really want to get into a gaffe contest with Biden on your side?

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 5:14 PM

JakeD,

Do you have something that tells us that Palin told Washington No?

Note below it says she told Alaskan officials, not Washington.

I am not as bothered by who she told no as much as I am by the fact that if Washington had funded it I am sure Palin would have built it.

"Palin directed Alaskan officials to look for the] fiscally responsible alternatives rather than expending state resources to build the bridge or using the transportation funds Congress gave Alaska in place of the original bridge earmark."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 5:14 PM

Mr McCain, I voted for you when you ran against Mr. Bush. What happened to yor good judment?? You had the opportunity to have a good runnig mate, but you chose NOT too. I feel sorry for you. I do hope the Amarican people think twice about voting for you.

Posted by: Mary Jones | September 18, 2008 5:13 PM

I would rather live in the Obamaslums than Alaska any day!

Posted by: gobama | September 18, 2008 5:13 PM

John:

Facts are on my side:

Barack Obama Says He Would Debate John McCain "Anywhere, Anytime." OBAMA: "I am happy to have a debate with John McCain and George Bush about foreign policy. If John McCain wants to meet me anywhere, anytime, to have a debate about our respective policies in Iraq, Iran, the Middle East or around the world, that is a conversation I am happy to have. Because I believe that there is no separation between John McCain and George Bush when it comes to our Middle East policy and I think their policy has failed." (Barack Obama, Media Availability, Watertown, SD, 5/16/08)

In Response To A Midwest Democracy Network Questionnaire, Barack Obama Said He Would Accept Public Funding In The General Election. Question: "If you are nominated for President in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?" Obama: "Yes. I have been a long-time advocate for public financing of campaigns combined with free television and radio time as a way to reduce the influence of moneyed special interests." (Sen. Barack Obama, "Presidential Candidate Questionnaire," Midwest Democracy Network, www.commoncause.org, 11/27/07)

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 5:11 PM

P.S. Obama DID say he would meet McCain "any time, any where". He also promised to "aggressively pursue public financing" and we all know how that turned out too.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 5:11 PM

John D in Houston (how did you survive the storm BTW?):

I never said she was the next Ronald Reagan -- his adopted son, Micheal, seems to think so however -- I just want the record to be clear. Gov. Palin did "tell Washington that she didn't want it." You can't deny that fact. I won't deny she kept some funds for general purposes. Of course she would have taken the money and built the bridge if Congress had given her the money. Once Congress withdrew specific funding and stalled the project, however, she killed it by refusing to fund it herself.

As for the flip-flopping charge, of course you could make that. I'm not a Republican, so I wasn't that impressed with it re: Kerry either.

Let me know if you have any questions (but, forgive me, as I am really busy on the Spanish" threads ; )

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 5:09 PM

Barracuda aka Praying Mantis is showing her true colors already! She calls it the Palin-McCain ticket. Expect more "lapses" in the next weeks - she can't help herself. She considers him dead already.

Posted by: Robert | September 18, 2008 5:09 PM

John,

No problem. Two indicia of marxist ideology. (1) Redistribution of wealth. Obama's tax plan proposes to reduce taxes for 95% of working americans by taxing the top 5%. Well, news flash: Not all of that 95% pay taxes in the first place so they will actually be paid money levied on others.

National Health Care System. Sound familiar? Little like Cuba maybe?

Here are Obama's own words from his first autobiography:

"To avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist professors and structural feminists."

What scares me the most about Palin, if I can channel Rumsfeld, is that she strikes me as someone that doesn't know what she doesn't know.

I picture her not wanting to admit that she doesn't know or understand something and ending up making a bad decision because she won't admit it and ask for advice.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 5:06 PM

Well, Nick - I'm glad you compiled a list of flip flops - how special of you - I'll take the last one, because it's easiest - Obama never promised to have 10 town hall debates with McCain - period - he said he'd discuss it -

I know fine points of rhetoric are lost on you - But I think even you can understand this - you can't say "I told them thanks but no thanks" when you first supported the bridge. Either you are against that kind of spending, or you aren't. You can't be for it when you campaign for Governor, and then against it, and make a virtue out of being against it when you were actually for it until you had to be against it, because other people were aginst it. Shows a lot of political backbone.

When the political winds started blowing against the bridge, she ducked pretty quickly. But I don't care about that - it's this "Thanks but no thanks" when that just isn't true. You don't find this kind of dissembling a problem?

Oh, and if you threw federal funding in your list of flip flops, you need to go and check what Obama said there, too. He never promised to take federal funds.

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 5:06 PM

Uh oh! So much for the "Palin bounce" and that highly suspect 20-percent swing poll after Palin.

New York Times (9/18/08): Polls taken after the Republican convention suggested that Mr. McCain had enjoyed a surge of support–particularly among white women after his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate–but the latest poll indicates “the Palin effect” was, at least so far, a limited burst of interest.

Uh-oh! In this latest New York Times/CBS poll, white women seem to have shifted toward Obama! Toner supplies the details:

NYT: [T]he Times/CBS News poll suggested that Ms. Palin’s selection has, to date, helped Mr. McCain only among Republican base voters; there was no evidence of significantly increased support for him among women in general. White women were evenly divided between Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama; before the conventions, Mr. McCain led Mr. Obama among white women, 44 percent to 37 percent.

Posted by: Monk | September 18, 2008 5:05 PM

Look guys - support Gov. Palin because she's an energetic, attractive conservative. Support her (JakeD) because she's on the right side of the abortion debate, and she's a good evangelical type christian. Support because she's an ex-beauty queen. Heck, support her because she's basically the only chance that Senator McCain has to win.

But don't play her into some kind of consistent political thinker, or any type of political thinker. She is driven by pure ambition, without any sugar coating or complications with ideas beyond good sound bites. She is the culmination of a political process begun in 1968 with Richard Nixon - in a sense the anti-politician. She'll tell you what you want to hear and is an astute judge of how the political winds are blowing - but don't ever confuse her with someone that has any profound ideas on how this country should be run.

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 4:57 PM

John, John, John -

She did and put it in the general transportation fund. What a horrible governor! Accounts for the 80% approval rating.

Oh BTW did you say flip flop? Here is the Obama flip-flop index to date:

Two Alaskan bridge construction proposals supported by Palin in her 2006 gubernatorial race have been derided as a symbol of pork barrel spending: a proposed bridge connecting Ketchikan to Gravina Island (population 50) where its airport lies;[96] and a proposed bridge crossing Knik Arm (also known as "Don Young's Way" for the Alaskan Congressman who strongly supported it) to spur development and provide an alternate route between cities such as Anchorage and Wasilla,[dubious – discuss] although Wasilla is not near the bridge.[97][98] The nickname "Bridge(s) to Nowhere" has been used for the Gravina Island Bridge alone[96] or, more rarely, both bridges.[99] In 2005, the $442 million earmark to build the two bridges was included in an early version of an omnibus spending bill for spending in 2006, but the earmark generated strong criticism and was stripped from the bill before final passage in November 2005; Congress gave the transportation money to Alaska with no strings attached.[96] In 2006, Palin ran for governor on a "build-the-bridge" platform,[100] attacking "spinmeisters"[101] for insulting local residents by calling them "nowhere"[100] and urging speed "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."[102]

Eight months after becoming Governor and a month after the bridge received sharp criticism from John McCain,[103] Palin directed Alaskan officials to look for the] fiscally responsible alternatives rather than expending state resources to build the bridge or using the transportation funds Congress gave Alaska in place of the original bridge earmark.[104] Alaska will not return any of the $442 million to the federal government[105] and is spending a portion of the funding, $25 million, on a Gravina Island road to the place where the bridge would have gone, expressly so that none of the money will have to be returned.[100] Palin continued to support funding the Knik Arm Bridge, which is not near Wasilla, and in June 2008, she ordered a review of its costs and prospects.[106][107]"

Palin did abandon plans to build the nearly $400 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport. But she made her decision after the project had become an embarrassment to the state, after federal dollars for the project were pulled back and diverted to other uses in Alaska, and after she had appeared to support the bridge during her campaign for governor.

McCain and Palin together have told a broader story about the bridge that is misleading. She is portrayed as a crusader for the thrifty use of tax dollars who turned down an offer from Washington to build an expensive bridge of little value to the state.

Posted by: Adrienne | September 18, 2008 4:45 PM

And Nick - please describe how Senator Obama fits a strict definition of a Marxist. Use several examples from the Communist Manifesto. Compare and contrast with other charges that Senator Obama is a socialist. Please, also give examples that denigrate any political system currently in action in Europe. Extra credit is given for throwing in a snide comment about the French.

And for Pete's Sake! Any one who runs for president has to be at least a partial narcissist (sp?)

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 4:45 PM

Hi JakeD,

The key is that she did not stop wanting it until congress decided not to fund it. So what she really decided was to take what money she could get and use it for other projects.

btw, yesterday I heard they are still considering one or more bridges to get people to the area with the airport, so we may not have heard the end of this yet.

"Sarah Palin indeed campaigned for Governor im support of the bridge -- she has never denied that -- in September of 2007, however, she told Washington D.C. that she didn't want it. What's so hard to understand about that?

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 4:36 PM"

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 4:43 PM

Jake, Jake, Jake - I seem to recall that the mantra of the Republican party last presidential election cycle was that Senator Kerry was a "flip-flopper". I suppose you all allow that now?

But really - do you honestly think, that if the folks in D.C. didn't make a huge stink about the "bridge to nowhere" that Gov. Palin would have turned down the funds? She took the additional money that the feds gave her anyway, didn't she?

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 4:42 PM

NickinVA:

She did campaign in favor of the bridge, but then decided to stop it, eventually telling Congress "Thanks, but no thanks".

Better a hockey mom and witch doctor than an unabashed marxist narcissist and a borderline tourettes-afflicted plaguerist.

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 4:39 PM

John D in Houston:

Sarah Palin indeed campaigned for Governor im support of the bridge -- she has never denied that -- in September of 2007, however, she told Washington D.C. that she didn't want it. What's so hard to understand about that?

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 4:36 PM

John,

Implications be damned. Provide facts. On what occasion(s) did she campaign in favor of the bridge to nowhere? I've only seen one interview where she only states that she wouldn't stand in the way of infrastructure improvements in Alaska if elected. Hardly the same. She never has claimed she was against obtaining federal funding for state projects. She's opposed to wasteful pork projects and that his why the number of funding requests in Alaska have been cut in half during her time in office.

The fact is Congress gave Alaska the money to build the bridge to nowhere and she refused to spend it on such a project, instead putting the money in the state's general transportation fund. So the cold hard facts are that she as governor cancelled the bridge to nowhere. She certainly didnt lobby congress to provide more and more funding for it.

There is nothing wrong with the federal government funding state projects, especially in a state with no income taxes. Some of the federal taxes coming from Alaska residents should go back to Alaska.

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 4:36 PM

Yes, with Palin/Jindal I'd be eating my heart out in fear - one governor whose actions are informed by minimal knowledge of the history of and actual workings of this country, but, heck, she's a hockey mom, and a second who performed an "exorcism" on a girl friend in college - yeah - God help us all.

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 4:30 PM

Umm - Nick - while implying that she was against "pork" Gov. Palin has said on many occassions that she said "thanks, but no thanks to the bridge to nowhere" - now, feel free to choose to spin those words anyway you like, but the clear implication is she told Washington that she didn't want it, when she campaigned for the bridge as governor.

Posted by: John D in Houston | September 18, 2008 4:26 PM

More plausible answer:

Obama is a cowardly fraud who can't form a complete sentence without 360 degree teleprompters encircling him. "Any time, any where"!?! He's gutless. Face it.

ANSWER: Obama is the boss. He doesn't have to do anything McCain says, just because McCain says it.

The reason why McCain wants townhall meetings is because no one will go see McCain if he's just by himself. McCain either has to have Obama or Palin if he wants an audience.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 4:15 PM

ok4u,

Rather than parrot the liberal MSM, why don't you provide proof of these so-called lies? For instance, provide a direct quote of Palin's where she says she never accepted earmarks. And when did she say she was "always agaisnt the bridge to nowhere"? She didn't. You and the MSM are full of it. You lie about other people lying!

Posted by: NickinVA | September 18, 2008 4:09 PM

Express your disgust by contacting the AP and/or their Board of Directors:

Today the AP "refused" to cooperate with the Secret Service in tracking down the hacker(s) involved in her e-mail account. I hope no one is assassinated based on information gained from that e-mail account, or the Associated Press will have blood on their hands. SHAME!

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 3:47 PM

Republicans just think 2012, if McCain doesn't run: Palin/Jindal!

Eat your heart out Dems.

Posted by: Sarah de Luca | September 18, 2008 3:47 PM

Camaraderie yep, yep!!!
Sarah Palin and Peglerology -Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech is : "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty and sincerity and dignity is form original author Pegler
now McCain the De-regulator wants regulation on wall street---Lies
McCain say Obama will have sex education for kindergarten children Lies
McCain say the pig thing was about the his vp pick --Lies
Pulin say never took earmarks –Lies
Pulin says Iraq caused 9-11 --Lies
McCain pick Pulin because she best qualified ---LIES
McCain is a maverick and goes across the aisle – LIES
McCain is against Bush and his fellow Republicans - LIES
McCain blames Obama for the high gasoline prices – LIES
McCain doesn’t know how many home he has --- Lies
McCain will help home owner that lose their homes ---LIES
McCain came up with the surge---LIES
McCain will give us a tax better break ---LIES
McCain vote for woman’s rights---LIES
McCain support seniors ----LIES
McCain supports the Iraq vets with his vote ---LIES
Palin was always against the bridge to nowhere --LIES

Posted by: ok4u | September 18, 2008 3:37 PM

I'm wondering, though, whether Robert Barnes (or ANYONE from the WaPo) wrote a story about Obama and Biden "Slip[ping] into Easy Camaraderie" at their first joint appearance? More bias and sexism?

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 3:16 PM

At least she looks better than Barney Fife ; )

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 3:14 PM

by spreading pure lies that obama is antiamerican & muslim, the republicans are simply lying against their own american citizen in the name of religion. how religious we can call these hypocrates... and palin! send her to idaho school to learn some world geography...

Posted by: vogol | September 18, 2008 3:00 PM

Gov. Palin has the solution to our illegal-immigrant problem. She's going to shoot illegals from a helicopter!!

Posted by: wp2006 | September 18, 2008 2:48 PM

The real problem with Sarah:

It's her voice. She sounds like Barney Phife.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 2:17 PM

These events aren't town hall meetings, they are pep rallys where nothing of substance is said, and the loudest ovations are not about ideas to improve the country, but attacks against their opponents.
And the reason McCain needs Palin to campaign with him? Someone has to hold his walker while on stage.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 2:08 PM

The town hall meeting looked like take your daughter to work day.

Posted by: Bill | September 18, 2008 1:54 PM

Jack:

My "comment" would be to ask if you are a U.S. citizen?

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 1:21 PM

My greatest wish at this time is to let current McCain voters to know that if we have a Republican controlled White House in these crucial next four years and if a disaster strikes whether they be a hurricane or a pole shift, that they will make Hurricane Katrina look like nothing compared to how they would treat humans during the pole shift and after. Absolutely no aid but declaring martial law for each state or contry hard hit by the shift which translates into giving up our guns for protection and a police state. The slow response from the government surrounding Hurricane Katrina was their attempt to declare martial law in New Orleans and 'take over' the state. Harmful thoughts was their primary focus.

If the Republicans can't declare martial law by their wish of a next terrorist attack (terror-wish) they will certainly declare martial law after the pole shift. This I worry greatly. Humans, primarily in the unconcious has the desire to support the dark agenda and feel that an experienced, stubborn, and violent candidate is 'suitable' for the job because they feel this is what defines politicians and needs a bully to feel safe from threats from other countries. People are forgetting that Republicans also consider citizens to be terrorists as well. Many McCain voters thinks that they would be safe from a McCain administration and yet this is actually the exact opposite in reality of their intention. Bush Administration wouldn't have proposed deadly chemtrails nor the deadly viruses which were all intended secretly against the human species. I'm looking forward to aiding many after the pole shift and hopefully many will too. Care to comment on this matter?

Posted by: Jack | September 18, 2008 1:17 PM

JakeD,

Just so you know that is not the nowanna1 you were talking to a few days ago.

It's a long story, lol.

nowanna1:
You must be thinking about the fake JakeD posts.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 12:11 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 1:05 PM

jm917 pontificates: "And I will be so proud to see the majority of voters turn their backs on the racist, dumbed-down xenophobia, the Nazi-style goosestepping and Know-Nothingism that the Republican Party--once the party of Abraham Lincoln--has now become."

Didn't Lincoln advocate the benevolent policy of "freeing" the "slaves" by purchasing them and sending them back to their African home?

Now, after wasting 600,000 young white lives, they are still slaves - inner city welfare slaves, forced to make a living by drug-dealing, and with broken families because their women can better qualify for governmnet handouts if unmarried.

Why would any people want to stay in a place where their existence sucks, and where they are openly shunned by the honest, and the dishonest only profess to embrace them - and where they have to be constantly reminded, by contrast, of their own ugliness.

As the saying goes: "The purpose of a college education is to give people the right attitude towards minorities, and the means to live as far away from them as possible." American negroes cannot help but notice the hypocrisy of the multi-cultis, who boast of their own lack of "xenophobia" and yet really prefer to associate with those of their own race.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 1:02 PM

REPUBLICANS HAVE A PLAN TO KILL ANY REMAINING HUMANS IN THE AFTERLIFE OR POLESHIFT

SO FOR YOUR OWN SAKE DON'T VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN THIS NOVEMBER BECAUSE POLE SHIFT IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT PRESIDENTS TENURE. AND HAVE YOU GUYS WONDER WHY REPUBLICANS BUSH AND NOW MCCAIN WANTING TO CONTINUE
AND EXPAND THE SPYING PROGRAM? TO SAVE US FROM TERRORITS?
I DIDN'T THINK SO BUT TO TAKE CONTROL IN THE AFTERLIFE AND LOOK TO REMOVE ANYONE THREATENING THEM WHICH INCLUDES THE U.S. CITIZENS.

REPUBLICANS BELIEVE THAT U.S. CITIZENS ARE THE TERRORISTS AND THAT THE TERRORISTS THE MAJORITY OF U.S. CITIZENS BELIEVE IN ARE ACTUALLY BENEFITING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, THUS REPUBLICANS ARE A FRIEND TO TERRORISTS WHICH MEANS ONLY ONE THING. YOU ARE CONSIDERED A TERRORIST TO THEM BECAUSE THEY SAY YOU WOULD INTERFERE WITH THEM AFTER THE POLESHIFT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU ARE A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRAT MATTERS NOT. WHICH IS WHY THEY ARE CONTINUTING TO EXPAND THE SPYING PROGRAM TO MAKE SURE THEY KEEP AN EYE ON ANY POTENTIAL THREATS ON U.S. SOIL WHICH INCLUDES THE U.S. CITIZENS. I'LL BET YOU ANYTHING THAT A REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED WHITE HOUSE OR CONGRESS DURING AND AFTER THE POLESHIFT ASSURES YOUR DEATH AND THESE COWARDS GOING TO THEIR BUNKERS WHILE ALL OF YOU SUFFER FROM STARVATION OR FROM DEHYDRATION. OBAMA DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THE COMING POLE SHIFT, HE JUST HEARD RUMORS AND I'M SURE THAT HE HAS NO PLANS TO BETTER HIMSELF AFTER THE POLE SHIFT BUT TO ONLY AID AND ASSIST THOSE IN NEED.

MCCAIN KNOWS OF THE COMING POLE SHIFT AND THIS MEANS TROUBLE. ITS FUNNY HOW SOME PEOPLE ARE VOTING FOR MCCAIN THIS NOVEMBER BUT THEN THEY INTEND YOUR DEATH AFTER THE POLE SHIFT FOR THOSE REMAINING THAT STILL SURVIVED.
I HAVE A FAMILY WITH 5 KIDS AND I FEEL LIKE I WILL BE IN DANGER EVEN IF I SURVIVE THE POLE SHIFT BECAUSE OF THE REPUBLICANS AND THEIR SPYING PROGRAM.

I ACTUALLY HAD A DREAM ABOUT THIS EXACT EVENT LAST NIGHT POTENTIALLY HAPPENING. THIS IS NO ACCIDENT AND IT FELT SO REAL. I WAS ALSO SHOWN JOHN MCCAIN AND PALIN TOGETHER TALKING ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL THE HUMAN POPULATION AND HOW TO WEED THEM OUT THROUGH VARIOUS DISEASES. FOR MY FAMILY AND YOUR FAMILY'S SAKE DON'T VOTE FOR THESE TWO FACE
IDIOTS. OBAMA IN MY DREAM WAS SHOWN AS A COMPASSIONATE MAN WHO LOOKED TO AID THOSE IN TROUBLE. THIS IS NO LIE.. AND IM NOT SAYING THIS JUST BECAUSE I LIKE ONE CANDIDATE OVER THE OTHER. IT WAS ACTUALLY SHOWN TO ME IN MY DREAM.

HAS ANY OF YOU HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS IN THEIR DREAMS?

Posted by: Jim | September 18, 2008 12:53 PM

Ok.. I watched the Town hall meeting ..she was bailed out of every question ,and if she felt lost McCain jumped in and made a nice comment about her ..after each question she would change the topic so I was left thinking ..''do they really think we are this stupid? and if it wasn't rigged then why doesn't anyone at these meetings say ''Hey Sarah you did not answer the question?''This gives a little info about Sarah Palin ..http://www.thepoliticalhub.com/list/19.aspx

Posted by: Adrienne | September 18, 2008 12:37 PM

McCain/Palin want to reform earmarks? OK, so what will they do with the remaining 99% of the budget??

Posted by: anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:37 PM

"Well, there is only one man in this race who has ever really fought for you,'' Palin said. "And that's Sen. John McCain.''

Last time I checked, women are allowed in the armed forces. Why didn't Palin enlist?

Posted by: anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:36 PM

TARGETING OF AMERICAN CITIZENS BY GOV'T AGENCIES:
ROOT CAUSE OF WALL STREET MELTDOWN?

The Obama campaign issued an angry denial to a report yesterday that the Democratic presidential candidate privately urged Iraqi leaders to delay U.S. troop withdrawals, but the statement essentially confirmed the story.

Responding to a column by Iranian-born analyst Amir Taheri in the New York Post, Obama spokeswoman Wendy Morigi insisted Obama "has never urged a delay in negotiations, nor has he urged a delay in immediately beginning a responsible drawdown of our combat brigades."

But in the same statement, Morigi said Obama had told the Iraqis they should not rush through a "Strategic Framework Agreement" governing the future of U.S. troops until after President Bush leaves office, the Associated Press reported.

Further, according to the New York Times in a report on June 16, Obama himself has confirmed his actions.

Recalling his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama said in the Times report, "My concern is that the Bush administration, in a weakened state politically, ends up trying to rush an agreement that in some ways might be binding to the next adminsitration, whether it's my administration or Senator McCain's administration. The foreign minister agreed that the next administration should not be bound by an agreement that's currently made."

Zebari had confirmed in the report that Obama "asked why we were not prepared to delay an agreement until after the U.S. elections and the formation of a new administration."

In his column, Taheri wrote about the meeting between Zebari and Obama, in which Obama urged a delay in the withdrawal of American forces.

Taheri states Obama insisted it was in Iraq's best interest to avoid an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion."

That private position would be a stark contrast to Obama's public record.

"The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq's leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops," Obama said last year at a university in Iowa. "Not in six months or one year – now."

In January of last year, Obama offered legislation on the floor of the Senate called the Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007, which called for troop withdrawals to begin in May 2007 and to conclude by March 2008.

And in his New York Times editorial released the same month the senator toured the Middle East, Obama wrote, "The call by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki for a timetable for the removal of American troops from Iraq presents an enormous opportunity. We should seize this moment to begin the phased redeployment of combat troops that I have long advocated."

Taheri reported that Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's advisers wonder if Obama is privately working to delay troop withdrawal until after the election in order to claim credit – should Obama win the presidency – for ending the war.

"Indeed, say Talabani's advisers," reports Taheri, "a President Obama might be tempted to appropriate the victory that America has already won in Iraq by claiming that his intervention transformed failure into success."

The Obama campaign has not responded to WND's request for a response to the Post column.

Posted by: Scott | September 18, 2008 12:08 PM

These are not town hall meetings, they are GOP sponsored events. Do your reporting WaPo. I don't know about you, but I for one think that commenter JakeD really hates America. Get a blog Jake to spew your lies and hate and then spam the message boards instead.

A vote for John McCain is a vote for more of the same. And remember the Republican party is the party that WRECKED America.

Posted by: nowanna1 | September 18, 2008 12:05 PM

Keep it up, fake JakeD (I get paid per post, whether or not it write it ; )

elizabeth6:

When Charlie Gibson asked Gov. Palin if she had ever shook the hand of any foreign head of state, she answered: "No, I haven't." How much more direct do you require?

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 12:05 PM

Spiro Agnew was chosen by Richard Nixon for VP because he was the only person who would buy a used car from Nixon. Sarah Palin is the only other person besides Obama that could get people to show up for a town hall that featured John McCain. Do we really want a president who is that uninspiring? I just realized why McCain asked Obama and Obama refused. Obama did not refuse because because he was afraid, it was because it would turn out voters to see McCain who would otherwise be disinterested.

Silly me!

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 12:02 PM

Voting for McCain is like asking for the economy to dissolve. And Roe v. Wade can be overturned

Posted by: Jake D | September 18, 2008 11:48 AM

In a weird way it is comforting to know that JakeD is still trolling here...constant as death and taxes.

Voting for McCain/ Paulin would be voting against the hopes and dreams for the American people in the beginning of this 21st century..

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 11:37 AM

I support McCain Palin because of the Sarah/Biden difference. A lot of people don't know it but Biden is a Catholic. Do we want our president taking orders from Rome. The White House like the Sopranos? Sarah is a good Christian. The Catholics are no more Christian and just as dangerous as the Muslims. They both want to take over America and the Catholics are a lot closer.

Kennedy/ Biden must be stopped from letting in Mexicans

McCain/Palin

Posted by: Anna S | September 18, 2008 11:34 AM

It is crystal clear that those two are experts in one thing, namely dodging questions and McCain is brilliant at taking over in the nick of time. Please wake up America, this duo is playing us for fools. Of course Al Quaeda admits they are in Iraq, ask Sarah where were they before Bush went over and poked that hornets nest. Bush thought he was above studying the abysmal historical relations between the East and West before plunging in way out of his depth. The Brits could have given him a crash course. They should know, they started the mess in the first place decades ago. Sarah Palin is apparently going to take a class at the United Nation’s Foreign Policy for Dummies. It may help McCain to attend night school for seniors and attend a few classes in cognitive skills, sociology and money management. This man is so out of touch and does not know that being fundamentally financially sound does not mean that we average Americans, unlike himself, have a few millions conveniently tucked away. Can’t we just skip the next few weeks of insanity, cut straight to the chase and let the grown ups take over ?

Yes, the questions at the town hall were rigged. How interesting that the woman that lobbed the question about Sarah's experience had the same northern accent our little Sally sports.

Sarah Palin has learned how to pander to the white male power base in her party. She is non-threatening and rides men's coattails. She fulfulls the mother/seductress roles men love.

She is the kind of gal who will bring ya a beer during the game and never tell ya that you need to read national security policy rather than go snow machining.

Sarah Palin is the women all women should distance themselves from, pandering, underqualified, manipulative and phony.

Posted by: Snake in Wyo | September 18, 2008 11:20 AM

Voting for Obama is voting against America.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 11:19 AM

The rampant, virulent racism of many of the posts on this blogs is refreshing!

I, as a white male, will proudly vote for John McCain as the candidate best qualified to lead this country in what is fast shaping up as another moment of peril in our historyy--another 1861 or 1932.

Posted by: Donald A | September 18, 2008 11:18 AM

Mr. McCaghren,

If this was a GOP post your comment would make sense, but those of us in the real world no better. Obama went against his party on the Iraq war when it was not popular to do so. Palin has done what to go against her party????

Posted by: American First | September 18, 2008 11:16 AM

"McCain and Palin are changing the normal dynamics of a presidential ticket, spending as much time together as campaigning apart. The two held a rally last night in Ohio, the town hall meeting today, and will campaign together in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota before the end of the week."

For Heaven's sake, they campaign together for two reasons:
1. Sally Snowplow is not knowledgable of topics impacting the US to answer questions on her own.
2. She brings in more crowds than McCain.

McCain is going to regret that he takes backstage to his protegee. All About Eve in the political world.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 11:15 AM

Mouthing nonsensical platitudes gets reported as "slipping into an easy comraderie"? Maybe you should get moved to the city beat, so we can get headlines like, "Arsonist Efficiently Kills Nine, as Police Admire His Moxie"

Posted by: howlless | September 18, 2008 11:07 AM

The McCain Dog and Pony show continues to tour Potemkin villages.

The GOP has become a joke. All they have to offer is smugness, anger and pep rallies.

When will Ms Palin appear alone at a press conference? What is the GOP plan for the future.

Posted by: jfp | September 18, 2008 10:54 AM

Obama doesn't use a teleprompter for his town hall meetings either. Hey Rob; try comparing apples to apples. Both McCain and Palin (like virtually all politicians) use teleprompters when they have big speeches to give.

Funny that your fawning praise of the event didn't mention the hundreds of protesters standing outside the venue all day long protesting the appearance.

McCain has broken the glass ceiling? I guess you mean by picking Palin, that is hardly the same as what Hillary did running her primary campaign, Palin basically got a free pass.

So I guess by your comment you are saying that Hillary can't win in 2012 if she is running against Obama? I have a lot more respect for Hillary than that and think that if she runs she will not be beaten again.

So we are to vote for McCain/Palin and risk the supreme court, the right to choose, the economy, war, and heaven forbid a Palin presidency just because you think it would make it easier for Hillary in 2012, I think not.

"McCain HAS BROKEN THE GLASS CEILING and will give HIllary a chance in 2012. B.O. can't even pay her that respect.

Posted by: Dodd | September 18, 2008 9:50 AM"

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 10:41 AM

The rampant, virulent racism of many of the posts on this blogs is disgusting.

I, as a white male, will proudly vote for Barack Obama as the candidate best qualified to lead this country in what is fast shaping up as another moment of peril in our historyy--another 1861 or 1932.

And I will be so proud to see the majority of voters turn their backs on the racist, dumbed-down xenophobia, the Nazi-style goosestepping and Know-Nothingism that the Republican Party--once the party of Abraham Lincoln--has now become. Just look at the disgusting posts on this blog!

We are going to make Americans proud to be Americans at long last.

Posted by: jm917 | September 18, 2008 10:41 AM

Barack Obama has never demonstrated the political courage to take on his own party. He has consistently avoided engaging members of the Republican Party because his extreme positions don't lend themselves to constructive compromises that can bring about the necessary "change" in Washington. With the help of the mass media, he has defrauded the American people with a vision that is completely at odds with his core values. Sarah Palin continues to draw attention because she is the only authentic person in the race.

Posted by: Patrick McCaghren | September 18, 2008 10:29 AM

Does anyone out there believe that the questions weren't rigged? Oh yes, it's a rhetorical question.

Posted by: elizabeth | September 18, 2008 10:28 AM

shouldn't their bumper stickers read Palin-McCain.....
what a circus!

Posted by: easyenough | September 18, 2008 10:18 AM

I wouldn't have called it "easy comraderie." It was more like Sarah interrupting "John" twice, "reinterpreting" what he said....like how I treated my elderly parents at the doctor's office.

Posted by: Gildamae | September 18, 2008 10:16 AM

Voting for McCain/Palin is voting against America.

Posted by: jill | September 18, 2008 10:14 AM

At least Palin isn't scared to do townhalls with McCain.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 10:13 AM

And what about McCain's $5.1 million fundraiser in Miami? I suppose that was attended by all of your "common people". McCain is just bummed he was out raised 2 to 1.

"Where is the story on Obama's fundraiser in Hollywood last night, headlined by Barbra Streisand? Tickets were $25,000 a pop. Oh yes, he is the man of the common people, just one of us. And he really, really understands the economy. FOX news was the only outlet who breathed a word of this, but no, there isn't a bias in the press.

Posted by: thinkwithyourbrain | September 18, 2008 10:08 AM"

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 10:13 AM

Sarah Palin is the only one of the four who does not belong to the mother of all good-ol' boys clubs, the CFR. Hopefully she will be able to persuade her running mate to withdraw his own membership on that ungodly council of world power elites.

They are the ones who have been feeding foreign policy "advice" to president Bush for the last eight years, and if Obama were to get into the Oval office, we would just have a different marionette opening its mouth to accept their spoon.

McCain, the Maverick, renouncing his CFR membership would lend the ultimate credibility to his claim, and appeal, as a crusader for fundamental change - an outsider seriously intent on challenging the old Washington/New York establishment. This is the single most dramatic and effective thing that he could do to expose Obama as just one more power hungry politician, and strip him of the agent-of-change mantle.

If he does not do this, I will still vote for McCain/Palin, and pray that he croaks very soon after being inaugurated.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 10:08 AM

Where is the story on Obama's fundraiser in Hollywood last night, headlined by Barbra Streisand? Tickets were $25,000 a pop. Oh yes, he is the man of the common people, just one of us. And he really, really understands the economy. FOX news was the only outlet who breathed a word of this, but no, there isn't a bias in the press.

Posted by: thinkwithyourbrain | September 18, 2008 10:08 AM

I got to the line "Hardball it was not" and couldn't stop laughing. When was the last time any "journalist" has asked The One ANY question of substance? Has it ever happened? Can't recall a time, except in the primary debates, which he would then respond: ah, um, well look, what Hillary said. The WA Post has passed beyond having even a hint of fairness in this political race. You, like your candidate, are a joke.

Posted by: thinkwithyourbrain | September 18, 2008 10:04 AM

Townhall?! What a joke. It was a pre-screened, Republican only audience. Very, very Bush-2004-like.

Posted by: jill | September 18, 2008 10:00 AM

It's Barack that's the liar and crook.

Friends: Wright/Rezko/Ayers/Kilpatrick/???

Told Pastor Wright he is the idol for 20 years, then lied and said pastor wright changed HIS message

Told the people of chicago he was helping them, then helped buddy rezko to win over contractor perks while taking a nice discount on a mansion and screwing the poor

Said he would lock-step remove troops from Iraq 2 brigades a month, then switched the message after he out-promised and crushed hillary

Says he's about change but then picks the "good-ole-boy" biden and doesn't even vet Hillary(the best canddiate) as a selection for VP

Never promised Universal Healthcare but is now pandering to Hillary's voters and acting like he supports it

PROMISES PROMISES FROM OBAMA - NO ACTION!!!

Mr. McCain is a LIFELONG servant to the American way of life. He said himself, "I’m not running for president because I think I’m blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God."

McCain HAS BROKEN THE GLASS CEILING and will give HIllary a chance in 2012. B.O. can't even pay her that respect.

Posted by: Dodd | September 18, 2008 9:50 AM

Erie, the meds! Good God man, TAKE YOUR MEDS!

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 9:47 AM

Attention Hillary Voters:
Vote for Obama and you will have DESTROYED Hillary’s chance at becoming President!!

Obama has already destroyed Hillary’s chances for this time around. He couldn’t even do her the honor of making her VP.

Consider this:
If you elect Obama for 2008 , Hillary CAN’T RUN IN 2012!! The incumbent always runs for their party in reelection.

Hillary will then be 69 when she gets a chance to run as democrat. Then people will call her old(like they do McCain who is 72) and she will NEVER become President.

Reagan was 69 when he got elected but he wasn’t trying to break the glass ceiling at the same time.

So if you care at all about Hillary, you will VOTE AGAINST Obama this time around. Plus, you will break the glass ceiling and Hillary WILL BE THERE in 2012!!

Think about it!! It makes sense!!

If you support Hillary, YOU MUST VOTE AGAINST OBAMA!!!

Posted by: Eric | September 18, 2008 9:41 AM

richard-brodie, we will pray for your redemption and that Jesus will come into your heart. Accept Jesus richard-brodie, let him replace the anger and pain you feel with love and hope.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 9:33 AM

Sarah Palin is going to have to do a bit more than prance around and gush about McCain at these scripted rallies. The events over the past few days have once again shifted the electorate in Obama's favor. Last week, it looked as though McCain was all set to pull away. This week, there are dramatic voter shifts toward Obama because of the economic collapse on Wall Street.

That and a slew of recent polls showing that the Palin effect may be energizing the conservatives who were--let's be honest--going to vote for McCain anyway. But it now appears that Palin has energized independents, moderates and women back toward Obama. The polls are reflecting that shift.

It may well yet turn out that selecting Sarah Palin for his VP may not have been the brillian move so many pundits last week were telling us.

Posted by: Jaxas | September 18, 2008 9:31 AM

Oh come on,Sen John McCain and Alaske Gov
Sarah Palin Rock! And Former Headliner
Rockstar "Barry" Messiah Barack Hussein
Obama and Big Mouth Joe Biden Suck!..Just
get used to it President John McCain and
Vice President Sarah Palin!!! Bye Bye!
Whacky Baracky and Joey Ya Didn't Play
Well In Peoria as Your Show Bommbed!..An
Independent Voter For McCain/Palin 2008!

Posted by: Sandy 5274 | September 18, 2008 9:23 AM

The racism on this page is disturbing. You all must be looking through hate shaded glasses when assessing Obama. Seriously, do what's best for you country, really ask yourselves that, close your eyes and forget he's half white and half black.

Though it won't matter, i can't wait to see all you racists peeing the bed when Obama steps into the white house. BAM!

Posted by: dave | September 18, 2008 9:19 AM

And how very appropriate that my comment was time stamped "9:11". Because this election is going to be the political 9/11 for the American left. Be prepared to watch the twin idealogical towers of Marxism and Multiculturalism come crashing down!

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 9:18 AM

Let me guess richard-brodie, you live in Idaho.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 9:17 AM

Eric, it's time to take your medication. It's the little yellow pill in the morning, the purple one is for the afternoon.

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 9:15 AM

George Will on yet another reason to vote McCain/Palin-

"Divided government compels compromises that curb each party's excesses, especially both parties' proclivities for excessive spending when unconstrained by an institution controlled by the other party. William Niskanen, chairman of the libertarian Cato Institute, notes that in the last 50 years, "government spending has increased an average of only 1.73 percent annually during periods of divided government. This number more than triples, to 5.26 percent, for periods of unified government."

By picking Palin, McCain got the country's attention. That is a perishable thing and before it dissipates, he should show the country his veto pen."

Posted by: Scott | September 18, 2008 9:14 AM

USA3 SAID:

Calling your opponent a liar.
is a sad technique
to diffuse the real issues facing america.
600 million dollars to bombard us with ads
that insult our intelligence.
mr obama, there are people losing their
homes, struggling, to make ends meet.
and your response, john mccain is a liar.
That doesnt help me or my neighbors.

JOHN MCCAIN IS A LIAR. He is lying to YOU! Don't you want the truth? McCain has nothing else to stand on, so he makes it up as he goes, and so does Sarah Palin. Do your homework. Obama just can't not defend himself to the bogus attacks that IS the Republican slander machine. See if that helps you or your neighbor.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 9:12 AM

So. The orangobama, whilst beating his simian chest, can, with perfect impunity, make sexist slurs against a beautiful white woman. But let him be asked to swallow some of his own medicine, with a racial aspersion, and suddenly THAT's off limits!

So what's your point? That racism is worse than sexism?

In a month and a half, the descendants of America's founders are finally going to reject the white guilt trip that the liberal jew media/academia have been attempting to burden them with for the last several decades. You are going to see cultural and political Marxism go down hard to a defeat from which it will never be able to recover.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 9:11 AM

Eric:

LBJ did not run for re-election.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 9:00 AM

Vote for Obama and you will have DESTROYED Hillary's chance at becomingPresident!!

Obama has already destroyed Hillary's chances for this time around. He couldn't even do her the honor of making her VP.

Consider this:
If you elect Obama for 2008 , Hillary CAN'T RUN IN 2012!! The incumbent always runs for their party in reelection.

Hillary will then be 69 when she gets a chance to run as democrat.
Then people will call her old(like they do McCain who is 72) and she will NEVER become President.

Reagan was 69 when he got elected but he wasn't trying to break the glass ceiling at the same time.

So if you care at all about Hillary, you will VOTE AGAINST Obama this time around. Plus, you will break the glass ceiling and Hillary WILL
BE THERE in 2012!!

Think about it!! It makes sense!!

If you support Hillary, YOU MUST VOTE AGAINST OBAMA!!!

Posted by: Eric | September 18, 2008 8:54 AM

Abandon all judgement you who enter here. I hope the people who went to this staged lovein went home warm and cuddly to their investment accounts that are down 25% this year and thank John McCain and the Republican party for the opportunity to serve those greedy bastards that the Republicans have cherished for so long.

Posted by: nclwtk | September 18, 2008 8:51 AM

How scripted can one get? Pathetic considering the problems this country faces. All they can do is distract the voters with softball questions and choreographed "impromptu" exchanges between McCain & Palin. McCain, you are no Ronald Reagan, stick to what you do best... What is that exactly?

Posted by: rcc_2000 | September 18, 2008 8:44 AM

Bryan said:
But that's not the case this time. McCain is the better choice in this election. That's my vote, but I want to say that I don't hate anybody for supporting Obama. Everyone has a different view of what the best way to run this country is. If they are sincere in that belief and they feel that their candidate can deliver, that's what voting is all about. Name calling and divisive tactics should not be a part of it.

Posted by: Bryan | September 18, 2008 2:38 AM

I agree, I am sick of the name calling, but here's why I could never vote for McCain. He used to stand for something. No more. He sold his sole to the same folks he dislikes, the ones who ripped him apart with lies in 2002. He said Obama would do anything to be president, but I believe he has it backwards.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 8:44 AM

John McCain did not bomb North Vietnam for me. He served his country and generally did what he was told. The war in Vietnam was a mistake and has been proven to be such long ago. I am a Vietnam vet so I fought for you too but I know that you would be better off today if our political leaders had more smarts than to commit our forces to fight in Vietnam. Sarah can pander to the Republicans all she wants but her closing comments do not have anything to do with the well-being of the US in the twenty first century.

Posted by: cdgainesville | September 18, 2008 8:42 AM

Obama is the candidate for change, which is the only thing you will have in your pockets when he is through with you! He cannot pay for all he has promised without redefining and lowering the income that he has defined as rich.

Posted by: montgomeryvet | September 18, 2008 8:27 AM

Judgment day is coming and these people will be screaming for mercy. Now is the time for mercy and grace but these people will have none of it. God have mercy on their pathetic sick souls.

Posted by: Alpatriot

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yes indeed, judgment day IS coming and for all those people who think themselves "good christians" and are really espousing the antithesis of what Jesus teaches us had better change their ways before it is to late. Those hypocrite christians take solace, they will have a nice, warm place to spend eternity. I'd bet you were Jesus voting, he'd vote for the Democrats. They are more aligned with his teachings.

We'll pray for you misguided right wing republicans that you reconcile youself before it is too late.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 8:06 AM

The WaPo mindless Obamabots, now known as "journalists" have so crossed the line into outright partisanship, bias, censorship and propaganda on behalf of Obama that I predict it will cease to exist within 2 years. The WaPo credibility is up there with OJ Simpson. Ironically, both enjoy murdering a white guy and a white woman.

Posted by: Karen | September 18, 2008 7:51 AM

It never ceases to amaze me the number of sociopaths in the blogosphere. Most of them liberal left leaning, totally awash in their hatred for the values and moral under-pinnings of this country. They are encouraged by the vacant thinkers such as the writer of this article, Robert Barnes, no doubt a man in the tank for Obama and unable to hide is utter contempt for Palin and McCain. Judgment day is coming and these people will be screaming for mercy. Now is the time for mercy and grace but these people will have none of it. God have mercy on their pathetic sick souls.

Posted by: Alpatriot | September 18, 2008 7:21 AM

"Barack Hussein Obama, raised in Jarkarta, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world."

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 1:59 AM

Oh... boy... how embarrassing... this person so called "Lifelong Democrat" (hmm.... NOT).
She/he really DOES have to go back to Elementary school, to say the least, and get going on how to learn how to copy and spell, how to find World Facts and read a World Map!!!!

First of all it is JAKARTA. J-A-K-A-R-T-A
Must spell that correctly, otherwise the inhabitants of this city of Jakarta (population 13,194,000) can sue you for being just plain ignorant and too lazy to double check the name of the capital city the 4th largest country in the world, in terms of population.

Or better yet, the people of Republic of Indonesia (population 237,512,355 per CIA data of July 208) will teach YOU some some hard-lessons that we are a REPUBLIC, NOT a muslim/or Islam-based country, but we are indeed a country with the largest muslim population in the world. Understand the HUGE difference??? Indonesia is an independent country with 5 principles as our philosophical foundation/political philosophy, called PANCASILA. These five principles held to be INSEPARABLE and INTERRELATED. This foundation was written in 1945 by our founding father, the 1st president, who faced the need to pull together the diverse archipelago. He helped solve the conflict between Muslims, nationalists and Christians.

1) Belief in the one and only God: This principle reaffirms the Indonesian people’s belief that God does exist.

2) Just and civilised humanity: This principle requires that human beings be treated with due regard to their dignity as God’s creatures. It emphasizes that the Indonesian people do not tolerate physical or spiritual oppression of human beings by their own people or by any other nation.

3) The unity of Indonesia: This principle embodies the concept of nationalism, of love for one’s nation and motherland. It envisages the need to always foster national unity and integrity. Pancasila nationalism demands that Indonesians avoid feelings of superiority on the grounds of ethnicity, for reasons of ancestry and skin color. The Indonesian coat of arms enshrines the symbol of "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" which means "unity in diversity".

4) Democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations amongst representatives: Pancasila democracy calls for decision-making through deliberations, to reach a consensus. It is democracy that lives up to the principles of Pancasila. This implies that democratic right must always be exercised with a deep sense of responsibility to God according to one’s own conviction and religious belief, with respect for humanitarian values of man’s dignity and integrity, and with a view to preserving and strengthening national unity and the pursuit of social justice.

5) Social justice for the whole of the people of Indonesia: This principle calls for the equitable spread of welfare to the entire population, not in a static but in a dynamic and progressive way. This means that all of the country’s natural resources and the national potentials should be utilized for the greatest possible good and happiness of the people. Social justice implies protection of the weak. But protection should not deny them work. On the contrary, they should work according to their abilities and fields of activity. Protection should prevent willful treatment by the strong and ensure the rule of justice.

So, you see, regardless of what's going on daily or what's happening in the streets whether or not each citizen follows its country's philosophical foundation to a T or not, but at least this Indonesia, just like the USA - or any other great nations in the world, meant well for whoever happens to be living here, or raised here, for short or longer period.

I can't vote for Obama or McCain, but I'd say... any experiences anyone had by living in another culture, through first-hand absorbing what it really means to learn to respect the local views and thoughts as a foreigner, then try to remember that any cross-cultural experiences, good or bad, make you become a WORLD CITIZEN, not merely anymore a small-town oblivious person... I'd say... that's one heck of a good thing to put on someone's personal CV and professional resume.
Especially if she or he is going to be the CEO of one of the most powerful nations in the world!

Good luck, America! Just cut the name calling in this whole process. The world is really watching you, waiting for you to make the most accurate decision possible in choosing your leader. And for heaven's sake... come November, please don't embarrass yourself, America!

Posted by: Good luck, America!! | September 18, 2008 7:15 AM

YOU THINK CARIBOU BARBIE WAS BAD DURING GIBSON'S INTERVIEW, SHE'LL BE PULVERIZED DURING THE VP DEBATE.. GET HER JOE!

OBAMA / BIDEN

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:49 PM

Find Sarah Palin's debate videos on youtube which she had during the Alaska governer election and have a look. She is awesome and Biden should be the one afraid

Posted by: Roger | September 18, 2008 7:07 AM

Mr. Barnes: I was struck by the inclusion of your self, your experience and your opinions in this story (examples follow). How about sticking to the facts in your reportage.

**"McCain and Palin made their first joint appearance in a town hall setting tonight but it actually was more like a pep rally."**

Characterizing the gathering as a pep rally is your - one man's - opinion.

**"She was less sure-footed when asked about her "perceived lack of foreign policy experience.''**

This is also the author's opinion.

**"Palin gave a long, winding answer..."**

Again, the author is inserting his opinion.

**"McCain clearly likes the charge Palin brings to the crowd..."**

This is conjecture, not fact.

**"The simple visual of the 72-year-old Washington veteran and the 44-year-old first-term governor is a striking reminder they form a different kind of political team..."**

A striking reminder to whom? What's striking is your treating your reaction to what you experienced not as yours alone but as THE reaction.

Posted by: Connor | September 18, 2008 6:33 AM

DON'T ELECT JOHN (UNFAITHFUL) MCBUSH & MOOSELINI (TRAILER TRASH) PALIN.. THE MORALS OF THIS GREAT NATION WILL BE SET BACK GENERATIONS.. A WACKO GOVERNOR WHO MAKES RAPE VICTIMS PAY FOR THEIR OWN RAPE KITS, AFTER SUCH A VIOLENT CRIME, WILL NEVER, EVER GET MY VOTE.. THIS IDIOT MAKES HITLER LOOK LIKE A CHOIR BOY..

OBAMA /BIDEN - NOV 4TH

Posted by: dfviney | September 18, 2008 6:30 AM

There are tens of millions more WHITE racists than there are black racists, my friend. And numbers are what count when it comes to winning elections!

Author states: "many of them [audience questions for Gov. Palin] seemed designed to allow her to answer critics."

Question: Did they "seem" designed or were they? Your phrasing creates the impression that the questions were rigged; if they were, that's fair, if they weren't than it's not. You're either (a) biased or (b) creating the appearance of bias. Neither is good.

Posted by: Connor | September 18, 2008 6:18 AM

Palin has faced scrutiny for using her private account to do government business. The Washington Post reported last week that a local Republican activist is trying to get Palin to release more than 1,100 e-mails she withheld from a public records request. The appeal reportedly questions why Palin and her aides shift between public and private e-mail accounts.

Posted by: Levi Johnson | September 18, 2008 6:08 AM

It's great to see that the Vice President's office will be shifting to Yahoo in January 2009. That should save the gov some money.....

WASHINGTON (AP) - Hackers broke into the Yahoo! e-mail account that Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin used for official business as Alaska's governor, revealing as evidence a few inconsequential personal messages she has received since John McCain selected her as his running mate.

"This is a shocking invasion of the governor's privacy and a violation of law. The matter has been turned over to the appropriate authorities and we hope that anyone in possession of these e-mails will destroy them," the McCain campaign said in a statement.

The Secret Service contacted The Associated Press on Wednesday and asked for copies of the leaked e-mails, which circulated widely on the Internet. The AP did not comply.

The disclosure Wednesday raises new questions about the propriety of the Palin administration's use of nongovernment e-mail accounts to conduct state business. The practice was revealed months ago—prior to Palin's selection as a vice presidential candidate—after political critics obtained internal e-mails documenting the practice by some aides.

One person whose e-mail to Palin apparently was among those disclosed, Amy B. McCorkell, declined to discuss her correspondence. "I do not know anything about it," McCorkell said. "I'm not giving you any comment." Wired.com said McCorkell later confirmed that she did send the e-mail to Palin.

Another of the e-mails apparently revealed Wednesday was an exchange in July with Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell discussing a talk show host who had been critical of Parnell. Parnell declined to discuss the matter.

Palin herself used "gov.sarah" in one of her e-mail addresses, but the hackers targeted her "gov.palin" account.

Posted by: Republican 4ever | September 18, 2008 5:40 AM

Some people will always be slaves to old prejudices and hatreds. Nothing you can say or do will change that.
Whether true or false, Im voting for his ideas. They deserve a chance.

Posted by: seems to me | September 18, 2008 5:24 AM

WAIT UNTIL ELECTION DAY. MILLIONS OF SUPPOSED OBAMA SUPPORTERS JUST WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT THEIR MARK BESIDE OBAMA WHEN IT ACTUALLY COMES DOWN TO VOTING. MCCAIN WILL GET A BOOST THAT WILL DEFY THE POLLS. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO TOM BRADLEY RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR IN CALIFORNIA. AHEAD.. AHEAD.. AHEAD UNTIL PEOPLE ACTUALLY VOTED.

This country is not "ready" for a Black president, and never will be, due to the fact that Mexicans have, in a mere 20 years, surpassed in numbers what it took negroes 400 years to achieve. By the end of this century the United States will be just one more Spanish country in the Western Hemisphere, and any future non-white presidents will be Hispanic.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 3:09 AM

Posted by: bILLY bOY | September 18, 2008 5:10 AM

Grampy McCain and the schoolmarm are going down.

Posted by: "One-Shot" McGuire | September 18, 2008 4:58 AM

I believe that we should take whatever support we can get to put John McCain over the top in the election. If its white supremists or whatever I couldn't give a crap. The important thing is to win the election and nothing else. So long as what we do is legal its okay. We have quite a coalition right now supporting John McCain and the KKKers are welcome to join so long as they vote.

Thats my strong feeling.

Posted by: Jack (Richmond VA) | September 18, 2008 4:56 AM

McCain: The candidate of ‘Changing his Position’ to get your vote America!

Like Bush, McCain has proven himself ...that he will say anything for votes!

It’s clear that John McCain would rather lose his integrity than lose an election!

McCain lies like ‘the same old Bush!’

McCain = Bush = McBush!

Posted by: Independent | September 18, 2008 4:47 AM

Hey richard-brodie,

Lou Dobbs called, you're late for your KKK meeting again!

THE REPUBLIC PARTY IS GETTING DESPERATE!

This thing is almost OVER.

OBAMA/BIDEN - 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: KKKarl Rove | September 18, 2008 3:24 AM

NO ONE WASTE TIME WITH richard-brodie

He is getting ready to go burn a cross.

CHANGE IS COMING, better go to you underground bunker.

Vote on issues-Vote Obama/Biden

We are a better country than this beyond racism and party lines we are America.

Keep those polls shifting toward Obama/Biden (once again)

Goodnight and Goodluck

Posted by: Palin's 15 minutes are up | September 18, 2008 3:14 AM

ARE YOU RETARDED?

YOU ARE NOT CONVINCING ANYONE TO VOTE FOR THAT SENILE OLD MAN MCCAIN AND CARIBOU BARBIE, IN FACT YOU'RE MAKING A GOOD CASE FOR MORE PEOPLE NOT VOTING FOR THEM.

SHUT UP, YOU RACIST ARSECLOWN!!!

-------------------------------

This country is not "ready" for a Black president, and never will be, due to the fact that Mexicans have, in a mere 20 years, surpassed in numbers what it took negroes 400 years to achieve. By the end of this century the United States will be just one more Spanish country in the Western Hemisphere, and any future non-white presidents will be Hispanic.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 3:09 AM

Posted by: Republican IQ = ZERO! | September 18, 2008 3:13 AM

"There are tens of millions more WHITE racists than there are black racists, my friend. And numbers are what count when it comes to winning elections!"

Don't worry, friend, what goes around comes around. You'll get yours.

Sleep tight.

Posted by: SSinLA | September 18, 2008 3:09 AM

White Americans are sick and tired of the phoney multiculturalist double standard, which means that being FOR a candidate because of his race is NOT racism (Blacks being for Obama because he is one of them), but being AGAINST a candidate because of his race IS racism (Whites being against Obama because he is NOT one of them.)

This country is not "ready" for a Black president, and never will be, due to the fact that Mexicans have, in a mere 20 years, surpassed in numbers what it took negroes 400 years to achieve. By the end of this century the United States will be just one more Spanish country in the Western Hemisphere, and any future non-white presidents will be Hispanic.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 3:09 AM

Yeah, we know Republicans are racist. Thanks for admitting that the only thing you nutty wingnuts can use to get out the vote is racism because it certainly isn't because of the success of your policies (Iraq, economy, healthcare etc).

Losing is tough but you'll get over it.

THE PART IS OVER

--------------------------------

There are tens of millions more WHITE racists than there are black racists, my friend. And numbers are what count when it comes to winning elections!

Posted by: McCain/Palin 08 | September 18, 2008 2:59 AM

Posted by: McCain = Bush's third term | September 18, 2008 3:06 AM

Richard-Brodie,

Your logic is exactly what gives America the reputation we have for bungling things up again and again!

Take care.

Posted by: [smiling] | September 18, 2008 3:06 AM

Okay Clinton got between 80-90% of the black vote. There are plenty of other candidates that have consolidated the black vote to around 90% in past elections.

If I recall correctly all these candidates were white.

What is the difference-so now what is your issue??

Most blacks are traditionally democrats anyhow.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 3:03 AM

There are tens of millions more WHITE racists than there are black racists, my friend. And numbers are what count when it comes to winning elections!

McCain/Palin 08

Posted by: McCain/Palin 08 | September 18, 2008 2:59 AM

Bill Clinton got over 90% of the black vote.

Last time I checked Bill Clinton wasn't black.

Go Hillary WE heart you & Obama

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 2:55 AM

Hey richard-brodie,

More racist? How about the reason most of those African-Americans are in America to begin with? The time of reckoning has come. Read a book moron.

Stay in school kids.

Posted by: SSinLA | September 18, 2008 2:55 AM

I do not want someone just like me to be in the White House since I would not know either how to solve the financial crisis or get out of Iraq without leaving too many broken pieces.
We need someone better than just average, we need someone intelligent, who can think for him/herself without having to parrot other people. Therefore McCain/Palin would be disqualified and we need to look at the only alternative left.

Posted by: Martha | September 18, 2008 2:54 AM

GO F^CK YOURSELF YOU RACIST REDNECK CRACKER!!!

What could be more racist than the fact that 99.9% of Black Americans are for Obama!!!

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 2:47 AM

Posted by: BNK | September 18, 2008 2:53 AM

I can see it now. When that phone rings at 3AM...

"John? John?'' Sarah Palin called to John McCain.

Posted by: SSinLA | September 18, 2008 2:52 AM

Hey Bryan,

The GOP realizes that they are going to be a vert small minority in both houses of congress and they also are now realizing that lying and name calling isn't making anyone want to vote for four more years of McBush as his poll numbers are now predictably dropping like a rock too.

What could be more racist than the fact that 99.9% of Black Americans are for Obama!!!

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 2:47 AM

This is all well and good. All I want to know is, "who's on first?"

Anyone else get that 'comedy duo' sense from these two clowns?

Posted by: SSinLA | September 18, 2008 2:43 AM

Yes McCain is ready to deliver..... more of the same.

Posted by: Vote for Obama | September 18, 2008 2:42 AM

Wierd that people supporting Obama have to resort to calling McCain supporters racists. So if I don't vote for Obama, I'm a racist? I don't think so. There are a lot of legit reasons not to vote for him.

If he was a stronger candidate all around, then maybe that line would work.

Having said that, I don't think anyone should feel badly if they supported a Mondale or Carter or Dukakis in past elevtions. Being active in the political process is a commendable thing. I know what it's like to support a candidate that loses the general election. I voted for Bob Dole in 1996. The campaign was badly organized and never fully registered for a majority of voters.

But that's not the case this time. McCain is the better choice in this election. That's my vote, but I want to say that I don't hate anybody for supporting Obama. Everyone has a different view of what the best way to run this country is. If they are sincere in that belief and they feel that their candidate can deliver, that's what voting is all about. Name calling and divisive tactics should not be a part of it.

Posted by: Bryan | September 18, 2008 2:38 AM

I never want to hear anything about Sarah again. Too many scandals, half-truths, or outright lies in addition to media avoidance until today (supposedlY)

NOTE TO HER TRAVELING PRESSCORPs

GET OFF THAT PLANE AND DO INTERVIEWS WITH A CANDIDATE THAT WILL ACTUALLY TALK TO YOU.

I worked for George McGovern's campaign in '72 (I'm embarrased to admit). Knocking on doors on election day, working phone banks, whatever I could do. Voted for McGovern, Carter, Carter, Mondale, Clinton...

Yep, that is absolutely true.

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat

--------------------------------

Why would you be embarrassed to have worked for McGovern? Because he was is a decant human being and not a cut throat, self serving, money grubbing, influence peddling, egotistical right wing hypo-christian?

I didn't vote for Clinton either time and I didn't vote for Bush, Regan, Bush, Perot, etc. I have no problem whatsoever voting for Obama. He has been smeared like no one since Andrew Jackson and he still has more dignity than McCain or Palin have shown.

Say what you want about Biden too, but Joe Biden is truly a public servant. He has been on the good side of equal and human rights all his career. He personally doesn't believe in abortion, but believes it is an individual choice which the government has no business being involved in.

Funny how neocon republicans want the government out of everything except a woman's most personal choice of all, the one which is between her and God.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 2:15 AM

Obama will lose come November. He cannot fool the American people when push comes to shove, or when they really do cast their vote.

McCain may not be the best choice, but Obama is a choice America cannot live with!

Posted by: Joe B | September 18, 2008 2:10 AM

HAHAHA!!!

The Wingnuts are getting so desperate that they're posting those dopey smear chain e-mails that know one but their own fellow knuckle dragging dopey Wingnuts believe anyway.

And speaking of interviews, I'm still waiting for Caribou Barbie to have a press conference where she actually has to use her little pea brain and answer questions that aren't scripted for her by Karl Rove.

BOO-YA, Wingnuts!

Your poll numbers are dropping like a rock for a very good reason, YOU'RE LIARS!!!

--------------------------------

Why are there no interviews with Barack Hussein Obama's lifelong friends? How about long term adult friends? How about his family members? Ask yourself, why?
This country deserves better than Barack Hussein Obama, so I am voting for McCain/Palin in 2008.
McCain/Palin 2008
Go Sarah!!!

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 1:59 AM

Posted by: Lifelong Republican | September 18, 2008 2:07 AM

I worked for George McGovern's campaign in '72 (I'm embarrased to admit). Knocking on doors on election day, working phone banks, whatever I could do. Voted for McGovern, Carter, Carter, Mondale, Clinton...

Yep, that is absolutely true.

McCain/Palin 2008

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 2:05 AM

Anonymous, so vote for the white half if that makes you feel better, otherwise you are just another racist pig neocon.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 2:04 AM

Hey "Dysfunctional Palin" You get your news from the National Inquirer? Really? Gotta give you credit for that, you can kinda read, but can't give them much credit for being right. Lots of us actually KNOW the Palin family and let me tell you that garbage is utterly untrue. They are a pretty neat family, all of them. But what would you know, you got it from The National Inquirer! And to post it serves your purpose I suppose. Too Bad some stoop so low.

Posted by: leaddog | September 18, 2008 2:04 AM

Don't vote for Barry "I am black" Obama

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 2:02 AM

Barack Hussein Obama, raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world.

Do your homework, people! If you want someone who is a friend of terrorists and felons, and who was mentored in high school by an avowed communist, and who was mentored for 20 years by an angry racist pastor... then by all means, vote for Barack Hussein Obama. It's your perogative.

But do not kid yourself on who Barack Hussein Obama is, what he stands for, and who his friends are...

Why are there no interviews with Barack Hussein Obama's lifelong friends? How about long term adult friends? How about his family members? Ask yourself, why?

This country deserves better than Barack Hussein Obama, so I am voting for McCain/Palin in 2008.

McCain/Palin 2008
Go Sarah!!!

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 2:02 AM

Lifelong Democrat, yeah right, live long neocon is more like it. Who do you think your fooling besides yourself?

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 2:01 AM

Barack Hussein Obama, raised in Jarkarta, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world.

Do your homework, people! If you want someone who is a friend of terrorists and felons, and who was mentored in high school by an avowed communist, and who was mentored for 20 years by an angry racist pastor... then by all means, vote for Barack Hussein Obama. It's your perogative.

But do not kid yourself on who Barack Hussein Obama is, what he stands for, and who his friends are...

Why are there no interviews with Barack Hussein Obama's lifelong friends? How about long term adult friends? How about his family members? Ask yourself, why?

This country deserves better than Barack Hussein Obama, so I am voting for McCain/Palin in 2008.

McCain/Palin 2008
Go Sarah!!!

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 2:00 AM

Texan from the Right Side, yup pardner, we stole it from them dang savages and kicked the wetbacks out. Dang right it's our land and we aims to keep it no matter how many of them brown skin bas**rds we have to kill!

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 1:59 AM

Barack Hussein Obama, raised in Jarkarta, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world.

Do your homework, people! If you want someone who is a friend of terrorists and felons, and who was mentored in high school by an avowed communist, and who was mentored for 20 years by an angry racist pastor... then by all means, vote for Barack Hussein Obama. It's your perogative.

But do not kid yourself on who Barack Hussein Obama is, what he stands for, and who his friends are...

Why are there no interviews with Barack Hussein Obama's lifelong friends? How about long term adult friends? How about his family members? Ask yourself, why?

This country deserves better than Barack Hussein Obama, so I am voting for McCain/Palin in 2008.

McCain/Palin 2008
Go Sarah!!!

Posted by: Lifelong Democrat | September 18, 2008 1:59 AM

See what I mean.
Now they have to result to racial slurs
But that's the repulicans for you, they just can't except the truth when it hurts.

I guess they can all get on that bridge and go somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

Posted by: Mark from Tenn | September 18, 2008 1:56 AM

John McBush knows all about bailing out rich bankers and screwing over middle class and poor people, he's been doing it for years.

*McCain - Founding Member of the Keating Five:

McCain was one of the "Keating Five," congressmen investigated on ethics charges for strenuously helping convicted racketeer Charles Keating after he gave them large campaign contributions and vacation trips.
Charles Keating was convicted of racketeering and fraud in both state and federal court after his Lincoln Savings & Loan collapsed, costing the taxpayers $3.4 billion. His convictions were overturned on technicalities; for example, the federal conviction was overturned because jurors had heard about his state conviction, and his state charges because Judge Lance Ito (yes, that judge) screwed up jury instructions. Neither court cleared him, and he faces new trials in both courts.)

Though he was not convicted of anything, McCain intervened on behalf of Charles Keating after Keating gave McCain at least $112,00 in contributions. In the mid-1980s, McCain made at least 9 trips on Keating's airplanes, and 3 of those were to Keating's luxurious retreat in the Bahamas. McCain's wife and father-in-law also were the largest investors (at $350,000) in a Keating shopping center; the Phoenix New Times called it a "sweetheart deal."

*Mafia ties:

In 1995, McCain sent birthday regards, and regrets for not attending, to Joseph "Joe Bananas" Bonano, the head of the New York Bonano crime family, who had retired to Arizona. Another politician to send regrets was Governor Fife Symington, who has since been kicked out of office and convicted of 7 felonies relating to fraud and extortion.

For those who don't believe that the gander should be immune from what is good for the goose, her is a little tit-for-tat anagram (and for those who don't know what an anagram is, it's where you take a phrase and scramble the exact letter set into another phrase):

You can put lipstick on a hockey mom, but she's still a pig.
=
Pompous Black in a chic topsuit? The guy's still a monkey!

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 1:43 AM

Palin's First Townhall Question = FAIL

So, Caribou Barbie and DeRegulator Johnny McMaverick had their first town hall tonight. Here is what CNN is reporting:

"Asked for "specific skills" Palin could cite to rebut critics who question her grasp of international affairs, she replied, "I am prepared."

"I have that confidence. I have that readiness," Palin said. "And if you want specifics with specific policies or countries, you can go ahead and ask me. You can play 'stump the candidate' if you want to. But we are ready to serve."

"GOP presidential nominee John McCain stepped in, pointing out that as governor of a state that is oil and gas plentiful, Palin was familiar with energy. She knows it to be "one of our great national security challenges," he said.

This was a question that gets asked in every job interview ever conducted and she needed help from DeRegulator Johnny McMaverick?

Can you imagine being asked about specific skills and you respond with, "I'm ready. I have confidence. Ask me that question again...I dare you. You can't stump me!"

You'd be escorted out by security.

Posted by: DrainYou | September 18, 2008 1:43 AM

It is amazing the left hysteria over Palin. If she is so worthless and will only hurt McCain then why the withering attacks. Maybe it is because she actually draws the same size crowds as Obama. Maybe it is because she can relate to small town USA somewhere Obama has no clue how to tap into. Maybe it is because she overshadows Joey Biden...where is the guy? Where is Michele Obama? I wonder why you never see her on the trail with her husband...and don't say the kids because she was there with him during the entire primaries..

Obama is the least vetted candidate in history and he continues to be...every time someone in the press even sneezes a tough question his way...the looney left and their media cronies go on the attack...and he gets indignant...

If McCain wins this election it will be incredible since he is waging an uphill battle against the media...check Google news...every article is about Obama(non critical)...there are almost no articles about McCain...and if there are they are mostly negative...

And the left wants the candidates to talk about the facts...how do you know what the facts are when none are being reported...just like Obama deriding McCain's suggestion for a commission to look into this collapse on Wall Street...I wonder if it is because it will find him at the top of list of recipients for money from Fannie/Freddie, his 2 top econ. advisors made millions heading Fannie/Freddie and basically Barney Frank(D) and Chris Dodd(D) head the banking committees in the house and senate...

As good defense is always a strong offense..

Posted by: Blissfully Ignorant | September 18, 2008 1:42 AM

It never ceast to amaze me the number of people that are so critical of Barach Obama.
1. We hear you continue to call him a Muslim. Which is not true.
2. You continue to say that he's going to raise taxes. Which you don't really clarify exactlly what he said.Meaning that he would cut taxes for the middleclass.
3. You continue to say that he has no expierence,which he has proven that he is well capable of doing the job just well.

I can go and on. But what I don't here you Republicans say is this.
1. John McCain has not given any clear position to what he is going to do for the middleclass people or the economy.
2. John McCain said from his own mouth that our economy is fundamentally strong even though hewlett packard just laid off 25,000 workers. the stock market is headed toward a crash.
3. The scandal Sarah Palin is involed in in Alaska.
4. The fact that she doesn't know foriegn policy at all.
5. New finding that she left the state of Alaska in debt for 1.5 million.
6. The lie about the bridge to nowhere to she claim to have rejected, to find out that congress had already killed anyway.
7. The fact that McCain is really out of touch with the American people.
8. The fact that McCain is against regulation but now flip flop and is for it.
The fact that McCain is a republican but is running against his own party (talk about loyalty)

I can go on for days how the republican is not stable and it's showing now in the polls. People are not believing anything the republican party is saying anymore. Everything that is coming from thier mouth is becoming a lie.

If you don't believe me then take a look at this and see for yourself.Sick and Tired

Posted by: Mark from Tenn | September 18, 2008 1:39 AM

DikesForPalin asks: "Richard Brodie, so I guess what you are trying to say here is that McCain doesn't have any foreign policy experience either."

Yes. I am so glad that you understood what I said. None of the four in this race has any "foreign policy experience", because that is a meaningless phrase. Furthermore, none of them have any experience negotiating with a foreign country either.

Only if there was a President, former President, or Secretary of State running would there be someone with such negotiating experience. Since that is not the case, the only thing that matters is what foreign policies they advocate.

Posted by: richard-brodie | September 18, 2008 1:37 AM

"They" are not equeal when it comes to being fair!

Please understand this is OK!

We should sit on our hands and not raise a fuss! WRONG!

This country is slipping away and WE are sitting on our hands because we don't want to cause a fuss! WRONG!

Enough is enough!!!!!!

Barack Hussein Obama is a Typical Black person!

Barack Hussein Obama said his Grandmother is a "Typical White Person".

So IT IS OK to use these terms since Barack Hussein Obama did. Right?

Imagine if anyone publically said Barack Hussein Obama is a Typical Black person!

While on the subject:

When can we have the United White Person College Fund?

When can we have a Miss White America contest?

When can we have National Association for the Advancement of White People (NAAWP)?

These are fair and reasonable questions!

Posted by: Texan from the Right Side | September 18, 2008 1:36 AM

Don't vote for Barry "a vote for me is a vote for hope" Obama.

("Hope" is not on the ballot)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:34 AM

Don't vote for Barry "The One" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:32 AM

Don't vote for Barry "I vote present" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:30 AM

Don't vote for Barry "the community organizer" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:28 AM

Godzilla must be worried or why else is he/she here commenting non-stop saying the same thing? Say it once, move on.

"We're smarter than that. Thanks, but no thanks. Now, go jump off that bridge to no where, ANYWHERE! Please!"

Posted by: McCain/Palin = LIARS! | September 18, 2008 1:27 AM

cause he gets up in the morning,
And he goes to work at nine,
And he comes back home at five-thirty,
Gets the same train every time.
cause his world is built round punctuality,
It never fails.

And hes oh, so good,
And hes oh, so fine,
And hes oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
Hes a well respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively.

And his mother goes to meetings,
While his father pulls the maid,
And she stirs the tea with councilors,
While discussing foreign trade,
And she passes looks, as well as bills
At every suave young man

cause hes oh, so good,
And hes oh, so fine,
And hes oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
Hes a well respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively.

And he likes his own backyard,
And he likes his fags the best,
cause hes better than the rest,
And his own sweat smells the best,
And he hopes to grab his fathers loot,
When pater passes on.

cause hes oh, so good,
And hes oh, so fine,
And hes oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
Hes a well respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively.

And he plays at stocks and shares,
And he goes to the regatta,
And he adores the girl next door,
cause hes dying to get at her,
But his mother knows the best about
The matrimonial stakes.

cause hes oh, so good,
And hes oh, so fine,
And hes oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
Hes a well respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 1:25 AM

If the relationship between Barack Obama and William Ayers merits scrutiny, then in all fairness, the relationship between John (Songbird) McCain and Jim Hensley merits a review. Mr. Hensley is McCain’s late father-in-law and former employer.

Ayers and Hensley have a few interesting things in common, e.g., they are both convicted felons that have been linked to unsavory violence prone organizations (Ayers the Weathermen, Hensley the Mafia); they both reportedly helped launch the political careers of the two presidential candidates in question; and they both went on to become well respected citizens in their communities.

Finally, you can compare Tony Rezko to Charles Keeting, need I write more?

Posted by: GObama 08' | September 18, 2008 1:23 AM

WHAT I LOVE IS NOT THE STORY BUT THE ATTEMPTED *COVERUP* OF THE STORY!!!!!

Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin attempted to quietly have her daughter Bristol get married before news of her pregnancy leaked out.

Palin planned for the wedding to take place right after the Republican National Convention and then she was going to announce the pregnancy. But Bristol, 17, refused to go along with the plan and that sparked a mother-daughter showdown over the failed coverup.

The ultra-conservative governor's announcement about her daughter's pregnancy came hours after The National Enquirer informed her representatives and family members of Levi Johnston, the father of Bristol's child, that we were aware of the pregnancy and were going to break the news.

In a preemptive strike Palin released the news, creating political shockwaves.

Posted by: DHL | September 18, 2008 1:21 AM

I'm sick of hearing about Obama's racist pastor. What about Palin's preacher who said that Jews were attacked by terrorists because of their unbelief. Or McCain siding up with Jerry Falwell and Dodson and every other perverted manipulator of the Christian faith. Hello, Jesus said "Give to the Poor" and we don't want to tax millionaires an extra 3% even though they just yesterday destroyed our economy probably creating another Great Depression.

Matthew 21:12-17

12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Christianity is FUNDAMENTALLY not about gay marriage, fools.

Fundamentalists in Islamic countries 10-15%

Fundamentalists in the United States 25-30%

Posted by: Mothra | September 18, 2008 1:16 AM

JakeD, the meds! Take the MEDS!

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 1:14 AM

Richard Brodie, so I guess what you are trying to say here is that McCain doesn't have any foreign policy experience either.

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 1:13 AM

It is possible that Obama is Muslim -- only God knows for sure -- I will play it safe and vote for McCain.

Posted by: JakeD | September 18, 2008 1:10 AM

Texan from the Right Side, at least 50% of Texans are good people. Sorry, but you ain't one of them pardner.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 1:08 AM

There is no such thing as "foreign policy experience." That the media talks as if there is, simply shows the degree to which liberalism has corrupted the English language.

We could legitimately speak of "negotiating experience", because "negotiate" is a verb - something one DOES. On the other hand "policy" is a noun, and you don't DO nouns. And in order to gain EXPERIENCE in something, you have to be able to DO that something. You cannot gain experience in anything that does not involve DOING something. One can have KNOWLEDGE of policy - historical knowledge, or knowledge of the current policies of a particular administration. But it makes no sense to talk about "policy experience", foreign or otherwise.

As the brilliant black economist Thomas Sowell has pointed out, the only people who could acquire negotiating experience are the President and the Secretary of State. A senator or governor visiting foreign countries, or giving speeches in foreign countries, or meeting with the heads of foreign countries, does not give that person any negotiating experience whatsoever. He or she has no authority to negotiate. Politicians who take these kind of junkets at taxpayer expense, are doing so simply for show, trying to build up phoney foreign policy "experience" "credentials that will help to convince a dumbed down electorate that they are "seasoned" and thus "qualified" for more lucrative governmental positions.

Posted by: Richard Brodie | September 18, 2008 1:07 AM

Sorry Misogyny..., your spewing more of those sold Christian values lies. Thank God all Christians aren't like you. I'll pray for you.

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 1:07 AM

I am concerned about where Barack HUSSEIN Obama will lead our nation if he is given the chance.

I don't want a muslim as the President of these United States.

I think he is just pretending to be a Christian. He is a Muslim in sheep's clothes. Several Muslim leaders have said it would be ok for him, as a Muslim, to pretend to be Christian to win the Presidential election.

Did Barack Hussein Obama changed his name from Barry Soetoro?

Lew Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he embraced the Muslim relgion

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr changed his name to Muhammad Ali when he embraced the Muslim relgion

Posted by: Texan from the Right Side | September 18, 2008 1:05 AM

Obama was for women before he was against them.

Wait,

He threw grandma under the bus.

Called his mother a food-stamp collecting mama.

Said, Hillary says odd things when she is PERIODICALLY feeling DOWN.

Called Sarah Palin a pig.

Yikes! He has always been against women.

Posted by: Misogyny you can believe in. | September 18, 2008 1:04 AM

Got news for you Godzilla, so did Palin and Palin. You get two for the price of one by the way.

Posted by: DikesforPalin | September 18, 2008 1:04 AM

Saying: (SP) is commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard is putting her in league with 'Dad's Army'!

Posted by: Nelleke | September 18, 2008 1:03 AM

Don't vote for Barry "I tried drugs enthusiastically" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:03 AM

I'd take 2 well spoken law school graduates (Obama's law degree is from Harvard) any day over a guy who can't remember how many houses he owns (p.s. McCain: it's seven.)and a woman who names her son Trig Van Palin (yeah... as in.. VAN HALEN). Can we say TRASHY!? This election is basically the most prestigious job interview on Earth, and I'd rather have the guys who are EDUCATED.

Posted by: andy | September 18, 2008 1:01 AM

Don't vote for Barry "uh, uh, uh" Obama.

(Ooops, my teleprompter broke)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:58 AM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 1:01 AM

hiils, if you can bring yourself to vote for a philanderer who leaves his wife for a younger woman, flip-flops, has no religion but his own ambitions and keeps looking at his running mate with a lear, sold out to Dodson and the other hate mongers in the name of Jesus Christ or Lord, well I can bring myself to vote for the other guy

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 1:01 AM

Don't vote for John "I sold my soul to agents of intolerance" McCain.

Don't vote for John "I would have been the Keating One if he did my laundry" McCain.

Don't vote for John "I failed my economics course at the Naval academy and thought Supply and Demand was a Sonny and Cher song"

Are you convinced to vote for Obama now?

Didn't think so.

Posted by: Mothra | September 18, 2008 1:01 AM

Don't vote for Barry "Yes we can" Obama.

(Can what, Barry?)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 1:00 AM

The NATIONAL ENQUIRER’S exclusive ongoing investigation of GOP VP Nom Sarah 'Barracuda' Palin will shock as much as the investigation of the John Edwards story. It goes far beyond a mere teen pregnancy crisis this week!

The Enquirer’s team of reporters has combed the Alaskan wilderness to discover the hidden truth about Gov. Palin’s family, which has become a central part of her political identity.

The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively that Sarah's oldest son, Track, was addicted to the power drug OxyContin for nearly the past two years, snorting it, eating it, smoking it and even injecting it. And as Track, 19, heads to Iraq as part of the U.S. armed forces, Sarah and her husband Todd were powerless to stop his wild antics, detailed in the new issue of The ENQUIRER, which goes on sale today.

THE ENQUIRER also has exclusive details about Track's use of other drugs, including cocaine, and his involvement in a notorious local vandalism incident.

“I’ve partied with him (Track) for years,” a source disclosed. “I’ve seen him snort cocaine, snort and smoke OxyContin, drink booze and smoke weed.”

The source also divulged the girls would do anything for Track and he’d use his local celebrity status to manipulate other guys “to get them to steal things he wanted.”

“He finally did what a lot of troubled kids here do,” the source divulged. “You join the military.”

And as Gov. Palin has billed the state of Alaska for various expenses related to her children, as reported by The Washington Post, The ENQUIRER's investigation reveals that she was so incensed by 17-year-old Bristol's pregnancy that she banished her daughter from the house.

Another family friend revealed pre-prego Bristol was as much of a hard partier as Track was.

“Bristol was a huge stoner and drinker. I’ve seen her smoke pot and get drunk and make out with so many guys. All the guys would brag that the just made out with Bristol.”

When Sarah found out the teen was pregnant by high schooler Levi Johnston, she was actually banished from the house. As part of the cover-up, Palin quickly transferred Bristol to another high school and made her move in with Sarah’s sister Heather 25 miles away!

And the ENQUIRER also learned that Levi Johnston, the baby mamma’s future wedded dada, who was glad handed by John McCain at the GOP Convention, isn’t too happy about his impending shotgun nups either.

“Levi got dragged out of the house to go to Minnesota,” Levi’s friend told The ENQUIRER. “Levi realizes he’s stuck being with Bristol because her mom is running for Vice President.”

The friend also confided that both Bristol and Levi “broke up a few times and they definitely messed around with other people.”

Meanwhile, as members of the Palin family’s war viciously over “Trooper-Gate” and claims of Sarah’s extramarital affair have turned the political race into a chaotic arena of threats, denials and vicious attacks by political black ops, The ENQUIRER has discovered shocking new details about the red-hot affair scandal!

If you CAN manage to hold your nose and vote for a person like that, and if you're a WOMAN, then think about how you could never vote for someone who uses Caucus Fraud to beat a more-qualified woman out of the nomination. NoBama, NoBiden, NoVember, Go PUMA's.

Posted by: hills | September 18, 2008 12:57 AM

Don't vote for Godzilla, he's a hypocrite who likes to spew baseless information and lies.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:57 AM

Don't vote for Barry "The presidency is on my personal road of discovery" Obama.

(Yeah, right off a cliff, Barry)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:56 AM

Godzilla. You're not popular. You're just a dumb lizard that breathes fire. Kind of like Republicans.

Posted by: Mothra | September 18, 2008 12:55 AM

Don't vote for Barry "Teach preschoolers about sex" Obama.

(What a creep, huh?)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:55 AM

By popular request, a repeat:

Don't vote for Barry "I thought of joining the military once" Obama.

(Sure you did, Barry)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:54 AM

Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin attempted to quietly have her daughter Bristol get married before news of her pregnancy leaked out.

Palin planned for the wedding to take place right after the Republican National Convention and then she was going to announce the pregnancy. But Bristol, 17, refused to go along with the plan and that sparked a mother-daughter showdown over the failed coverup.

The ultra-conservative governor's announcement about her daughter's pregnancy came hours after The National Enquirer informed her representatives and family members of Levi Johnston, the father of Bristol's child, that we were aware of the pregnancy and were going to break the news.

In a preemptive strike Palin released the news, creating political shockwaves.

Posted by: Dysfunctional Palin | September 18, 2008 12:53 AM

Jesus wept! He did! It's the shortest sentence in Sarah Palin's Bible.
Really, the contempt for Sarah and the Rubes in Flyover Country just drips from the online pages of the Post.
Great job, WaPo! And here I thought you were a better paper than that rag in New York. Silly me!

"Nearer My God to the New York Times!"

Posted by: section9 | September 18, 2008 12:53 AM

Don't vote for Barry "Bill Ayers is my friend" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:52 AM

Don't vote for Barry "Jeremiah Wright's like my uncle" Obama.

(You remember that guy, right?)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:51 AM

Don't vote for Godzilla, he's an idiot.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:50 AM

Don't vote for Barry "The surge is a failure" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:48 AM

Don't vote for Barry "They're clinging to guns and religion" Obama.

(I could go on forever with this)

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:47 AM

All your respondents crack me up!

You know so much what your leaders should be doing, but you probably have never run for political office yourself nor even managed a PTA meeting.

You're a bunch of wannabes. So authoritative on a web site that relatively so few people read yet a couch potato when it comes to doing something substantive on behalf of your candidate.

Keep it up, I'm rollin' in the aisles!

Posted by: LMAO | September 18, 2008 12:46 AM

Don't vote for Barry "Hey, Iraquis, can you hold up on the troop withdrawals" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:45 AM

"I think all of you are a piece of crap," says Chris republican. I think you are the one that is angry.

No?

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:43 AM

Don't vote for Barry "I thought of joining the military once" Obama.

Posted by: Godzilla | September 18, 2008 12:41 AM

Habu,

You talk a tough game, but you seem to forget that Democrats and Independents can also pack heat just as Republicans can. We just don't seem to have the same tendency to talk crazy and be wild-eyed angry. We also don't have bombs like Timothy McVeighs do, but maybe you do?

Posted by: Anonymous | September 18, 2008 12:40 AM

I like how the audience was made up of all invited, hand picked republicans. Some "Town Hall" meeting. Maybe it was me, I saw their lips (no lipstick jokes please) move, but nothing came out. They never gave a straight answer.

I like how McCain was so grandfatherly and stepped in when Sarah couldn't remember her lines.

Posted by: NoOBAMA | September 18, 2008 12:38 AM

You know, all you Obama people think you are so smart with your disdain, anger and quick jokes it is hard to believe you don't realize that you are running people off.

Same thing that happened with Hillary. Anger, rage and simply just being out right rude.

I hope he loses cause I think all of you are a piece of crap and there is no way this country would be better with the likes of you all running it.

Posted by: chris | September 18, 2008 12:36 AM

Considering that the stock market fiasco began with the Clinton administration and was then handed over to a dry drunk, yes this will be a refreshing change. I'll pass on the socialism, thank you.

Go Sarah...

Posted by: Campbell | September 18, 2008 12:34 AM

What a great team! I am more and more impressed with the both of them everyday. The media can slander all they want... Obama can make promise after promise... but McCain and Palin are true leaders who TRULY care about the people of this nation! I hope and pray that they win this election. If Obama wins... God help us all.

Posted by: Ashleigh | September 18, 2008 12:32 AM

The times, they are a'changin.

I don't need a Weather Man to know which way the wind is blowing.

Posted by: dbj1 | September 18, 2008 12:29 AM

And do you believe they uh, um, did it, um, er, without a teleprompter? I don't want a president that my 12 year old daughter can beat up. Effete liberalism of the worst kind. McCain/Palin, Palin/Jindal, get used to it.

Posted by: Christopher | September 18, 2008 12:27 AM

You left a bunch of things out of your little story.

Posted by: William Miller | September 18, 2008 12:24 AM

The Republicans are now resorting to “push polling.” CNN, Time, and others have reported push polling in several states. Push polling is when a group pretending to be legitimate pollsters calls up people and spread rumors about a candidate in the form of questions, such as, “Would you vote for Obama if you knew he was really a member of the PLO?” or some other such false rumor. These fake pollsters have been targetting Jewish and non-Jewish voters, and some of these people have then been reporting it to the newspapers.

McCain used to be the victim of push polling by George W. Bush. Fake pollsters working for Bush used to call and ask people, “Would you vote for McCain if you knew he fathered a Black child?” It is sad that now McCain might be using this tactic against someone else. Push polling is a dirty tactic, should be illegal in some states, and is already illegal in New Hampshire. No wonder the polls are showing McCain so close to Obama. This is an extremely dirty and lowly tactic and must be exposed.

Posted by: Jim | September 18, 2008 12:22 AM

I have evidence that McCain is advertising on a pornographic web site. Write to mavericknomore@yahoo.com if you want the screen capture.

Posted by: Mitt | September 18, 2008 12:22 AM

Be honest, did you hold your nose the entire time you were writing this? I bet you HATED it, huh?

Posted by: Dude | September 18, 2008 12:20 AM

So far so good. Oh, and by the way, the first African American president will be a Republican.

It turns out that well before he was jettisoned for what he says was his refusal to fire trooper Wooten at the behest of Sarah Palin, Monegan had his own share of domestic troubles - some of them spilling all the way down to the Bay Area.

In October 1994, Monegan's estranged wife, who had moved from Alaska to the Peninsula with the couple's two daughters after more than 10 years of marriage, sought a temporary restraining order against him - accusing Monegan of threatening to kill her, waving a gun at her and dislocating her shoulder, according to her declaration on file in Santa Clara County Superior Court.

In an interview last week, Georgene Moldovan said Monegan had threatened several times to throw her body in an Alaska river.

Monegan, 57, who has since remarried, vigorously denied Moldovan's allegations, both in court papers filed at the time and in an interview with us last week. "I'm not a door slammer - I don't punch walls," he said.

Monegan admitted to dislocating Moldovan's shoulder, but said it was an accident that had happened before they were married, while they "were wrestling and tickling."

Moldovan was an emergency room doctor and professor at Stanford and shuttled back and forth from Alaska to the Peninsula the last seven years of their marriage. Monegan asked her for a divorce in 1993, but snapped when he learned he might lose the couple's house, she says.

One day in April 1993, she said in her court filing, "he pulled out his gun and waved it at me outside my home and yelled he would kill me if I stopped him."

In the interview, Moldovan said Monegan "would show up unannounced and break into my apartment and do threatening things. I was forced to get a restraining order because I was really fearful he was going to harm me."

Posted by: JimAK | September 18, 2008 12:19 AM

Make sure to watch the VP debate.

I'll vote for the winner.

Posted by: Frederick Michael | September 18, 2008 12:17 AM

Ok, This country is headed for a revolution...a shoting killing revolution. It's nice to knw that 99% of liberal don't know which end of a gun the bullet come out.

Bring it on libs, you won't last a week in the verticle position. Hell's com'in right to you libs and we're gonna love cleaning you up.

Posted by: Habu | September 18, 2008 12:17 AM

puff6962 wrote on 09/17/2008 02:59:32 PM:

Since Monday the McCain camp has stepped up its personal attacks against Alaskans. They've continued their D.C.-style tactics against neighbors in this small state. The game plan is to find an excuse to stop our Legislature's Troopergate investigation, and hide evidence McCain's folks really don't want to surface before November's election. It's been a little Karl Rove, and parts Laurel and Hardy. How else can you explain the following?

Friday the Attorney General's office promised state witnesses would comply with subpoenas the Legislature issued last week. Tuesday the Governor's Attorney General flip flopped, and announced that state witnesses wouldn't comply because, well, and I'm paraphrasing here - - he's changed his mind. And in what has to be an idea hatched after a 4th Martini at Chilkoot Charlies, Governor Palin's attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the ethics claim she filed against herself two weeks ago. Yup. She really filed a complaint against herself. Tuesday she said she's discovered, after a thorough investigation of herself, that she's done nothing wrong. Does anyone know how to get a hold of Jon Stewart and Tina Fey?

It's silly season up here in the far north, but this week's moves are aimed at one thing: John McCain's effort to find cover for being disingenuous. See, before Governor Palin's nomination for the Republican VP spot, she did the honest thing. She admitted the evidence -- of roughly 20 contacts between her staff and husband with Public Safety officials, seeking the firing of Governor Palin's former brother-in-law -- might lead a reasonable person to the conclusion that the she misused her office to fire a state employee. So when Alaska's Republican-led Legislature called for an investigation, she did the honorable thing and said she and her staff would comply. She denies any wrongdoing.

Things changed on August 29 when Governor Palin was added to the McCain ticket. Since then his handlers have told her she can't testify. They don't want the evidence in this case to come out. They don't want her to testify under oath. They don't want other witnesses to testify under oath. So they have engaged in daily maneuvers to attack, as disloyal to the McCain campaign, anyone who wants the investigation to move forward. They've now attacked two well respected prosecutors, and perhaps the state's most highly regarded law enforcement official -- the Public Safety Commissioner she hired, and then fired, Walt Monegan.

Every day this week McCain operatives have sung the same tune. Today a guy with an East Coast accent, who knows nothing about Alaska, stood in front of a McCain-Palin banner to lead the attacks against people he doesn't know. At press conferences on Monday and Tuesday campaign staffer Megan Stapleton spit vitriol to repeat her argument that this investigation is really a "Democratic" attack on Governor Palin. See, that's easier than just saying their VP has reneged on her promise to testify. It's easier than just saying they don't want anyone testifying before the November election. It's easier than admitting they are stonewalling a legislative investigation. Oh -- and I know they hate partisan stuff. Yesterday 5 Republican legislators -- all allies of Governor Palin, all supporters of the McCain campaign, filed a lawsuit against the Legislature to stop the investigation.

Here are a few things MCCain's operatives failed to say. There are a few small facts that make it hard to style this as a Democratic investigation. One is that Alaska is a Republican State. We have a Republican Governor and a Legislature of 34 Republicans and 26 Democrats. This summer the Legislature's Legislative Council voted 12-0 (8 Republicans and 4 Democrats) to hire an investigator, and appointed Democratic Senator Hollis French, a well-respected former prosecutor, to find an investigator.

Governor Palin stated she and her employees would comply with the investigation. French then hired Steve Branchflower, a former DA who most recently was hired by legislative Republicans to run the state's Office of Victims rights. And on Friday the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 (2 Democrats and 1 Republican in favor); and the House Judiciary Committee issued a 7 - 0 (5 Republicans, 2 Democrats) advisory vote, to issue subpoenas to witnesses the McCain camp had previously stopped from testifying.

Over the last two days McCain's outside operatives have vilified former prosecutor Hollis French -- as an Obama supporter who must have called this investigation to hurt the McCain ticket. But French was appointed to oversee the investigation by a 12 - 0 Legislative Council vote, and is probably the state's most respected legislator -- by Republicans and Democrats alike. He's so popular the Republican Party couldn't find anyone to run against him this year. They've called former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan -- a Native Alaskan who has served Republican and Democratic Administrations with honor, and put his life on the line in uniform- - "insubordinate." Odd, given that when Governor Palin fired him she offered him a different job. I guess being "insubordinate" was a job requirement for the new position. And they've challenged the independence of an investigator and former DA, who has no animus anyone can find.

Those Swift boat ads taught the McCain folks that if you say something untrue enough times, it can stick. My favorite moment of the week came when Governor Palin's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss Palin's ethics complaint against herself. Stay with me. Her attorneys have been buying the peyote, not me. See, on August 29 they needed to find a way to stop the Legislature's investigation. They tried asking the Republican leaders to call it off, and take one for the team. But the Senate President and others honorably said no. So they came up with an argument that the State Personnel Board -- 3 people appointed by Governor Palin and her Republican predecessor Frank Murkowski - had "exclusive jurisdiction" to investigate wrongdoing by the Governor.

The Legislature wasn't amused. So Governor Palin then filed a complaint against herself. That, they said, put "jurisdiction" in the hands of their friends at the Personnel Board. They argued that since the Personnel Board was now proceeding with an "investigation," the Legislature couldn't. To put icing on the cake, on Monday the Governor's attorneys moved to dismiss the Governor's case against herself. They said, and I loosely paraphrase again -- that they tried really hard and just couldn't find any evidence that the Governor did anything wrong. OK. I can't believe I just wrote that. And I wish it weren't true.

These are the things you have to do when your presidential candidate doesn't want his VP to honor a promise, and doesn't want evidence to come out before an election. These are the things you have to do if your folks aren't going to comply with a subpoena. That's because without spin the headline might read: "McCain Interferes With Investigation Palin Agreed To." How easy it is to re-write a headline. They learned that during the Swift boat campaign too.

All we can hope for is that members of the press will abide by what's taught in journalism school. Not to repeat the spin of political operatives without reporting the truth. Not to write "he said she said" stories, and pretend the truth is somewhere in the middle. But to report the facts. No matter how you spin it, Governor Palin promised to comply with this Legislative Investigation. McCain's folks got her to change her position. And the Legislature that voted for the investigation did so on a bi-partisan basis. End of story. End of headline.

Over the next few days McCain's folks will try to get local legislators to step in line, out of party loyalty, and reverse their vote to investigate Troopergate. But many local Republicans, like Senate President Lyda Green, have so far refused to play those politics. Stay for more from McCain's Campaign for "Change." They've tried to change the truth. They've succeeded at changing Governor Palin's promise to comply with this investigation. Let's see what they'll change next.

Yay! McCain and Palin are reformers! And pigs can fly! (oops, sorry, I forgot the rule of not using any references to barnyard animals while talking about Palin..)

Posted by: Sean | September 18, 2008 12:06 AM

Who played them in this skit? Surely, this was a comedy skit???

It just gets more and more funny and they are not even trying to be funny.

It's pathetic.

Posted by: TJW | September 18, 2008 12:05 AM

Who says Palin is not ready to be President? She comes pre-scandal'd.

Posted by: G | September 18, 2008 12:04 AM

America will elect another idjit.

- And the likes of y'all are gonna do it.

Suits me. I'm Set.

Posted by: T-Prop | September 18, 2008 12:03 AM

"Talking down to people
will not get you their vote
nobama."

We don't want your vote!
We want you to go away and let us straighten this country out, you foolish person!

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:55 PM

MCCAIN / PALIN= FURTHER DESCENT INTO HELL

OBAMA /BIDEN= BETTER OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:54 PM

Talking down to people
will not get you their vote
nobama.

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 11:52 PM

"I am a one issue voter, gun rights.
I think every american has a responsility
to not only own a rifle, but to be proficient is it's operation.
power to the people. if obama gives me
a gun, I will vote for him. bush gave us
600.00 and me and my buddies. we bought
guns."
YEEEHAAAW! That's good sarcasm boy!

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:52 PM

I am a one issue voter, gun rights.
I think every american has a responsility
to not only own a rifle, but to be proficient is it's operation.
power to the people. if obama gives me
a gun, I will vote for him. bush gave us
600.00 and me and my buddies. we bought
guns.

Posted by: hhoover | September 17, 2008 11:49 PM

YOU THINK CARIBOU BARBIE WAS BAD DURING GIBSON'S INTERVIEW, SHE'LL BE PULVERIZED DURING THE VP DEBATE.. GET HER JOE!

OBAMA / BIDEN

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:49 PM

"God help us if this neophyte is elected?"

Hahaha, are you simpleminded?
McCain and Pailn can't think and talk at the same time! With or without a teleprompter!
Give us a definiton of neophyte in thirty seconds, then tell me McCain's not a perfect example, dumb dumb!

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:49 PM

"thank you tom,
I am a republican
so I make 250K
is that underpaid?"

You mean you Wish you make 250k a year.

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:44 PM

I guess Robert Barnes gets his full of unscripted stump speeches from Obama and his teleprompter...the guy needs a teleprompter at a rodeo? He can't come up with original thought if his life depended on it.

God help us if this neophyte is elected?

Posted by: RBR | September 17, 2008 11:44 PM

So, can anyone help me clear up the Alaska investigation and what McCain's campaign is afraid they will discover? Let me guess...politics as usual in Alaska?

Posted by: Gilly | September 17, 2008 11:41 PM

thank you tom,
I am a republican
so I make 250K
is that underpaid?

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 11:41 PM

USA3, you are one silly, underpaid republican blogger.

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:39 PM

Obama / Biden you got my vote!

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:39 PM

"Obama will raise taxes but not for the common man but for the wealthiest top 5% of the American people in which Mccain is included"

When McCain speaks, in his mind, he is talking to his base. They tend to make over $250,000 a year, so he is not lying.

Posted by: Jeff | September 17, 2008 11:37 PM

Get ready to be inundated
with more and more
and meaner and meaner
campaign ads.
what happened to limits
on spending?
maybe if one of these
candidates
would take some of this
obscene amount of money,
and start a fund,
to help some people
save their houses.
We would have a
real candidate for president.

Posted by: simonsays1 | September 17, 2008 11:37 PM

You'd think Republicans here would be a little embarrassed to portray themselves as economic experts anymore given the trajectory of the Bush years. Even the fat cats get pissed off when the stock market flatlines for 8 years, wait and see.

The problem with "it's my money, not the government's" is that you can't have two wars and borrow the money for them from China. You can't expand entitlements like Bush's drug plan for seniors and borrow the money from China. You can't cut taxes for the wealthy, and borrow the money from China. Ultimately we all pay. This overly simplistic idea causes weak economic growth, a decline in the middle class and ultimately there is hell to pay. If this were not the case, there would have been no need in the middle of Bush's tenure for the Fed to trim interest rates to 1% - part of the reason that the subprime mess got started in the first place.

The only taxes Obama is planning to raise is for people making over $250,000. Many of these people who are honest and hardworking won't mind at all - they made out just fine during the Clinton years and would love to have that economy back. In fact many of us wouldn't mind paying more taxes to have that economy back - we were doing much better than then now due to higher employment, lower cost of living, better growth in investments. We would make money on the deal. Many of those who do complain are the type who make their money by ripping others off - just as the giant Ponzi scheme played by the investment banks did. It's not their money when they swindled it.

Posted by: orrg1 | September 17, 2008 11:37 PM

Delaware Vol:
"PA's 3rd Senator is an idiot... Palin will take him apart---methodically!!! I can't wait to see him squirm when she blasts him on all his "world class foreign policy experience"!!! Can it really be considered experience when you're WRONG on a regular basis?"

Boy, are you in for a surprise. Keep drinkin' an dreamin' knucklehead.
Sarah's already the country's favorite bimbo. Get serious or get lost.

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:37 PM

Mccain straight out lied in his convention speech when he said that he would lower taxes for the common man while Obama would raise the taxes. Yes! Obama will raise taxes but not for the common man but for the wealthiest top 5% of the American people in which Mccain is included. And by the way political analysts agree that Obama's tax policy is more beneficial for the common man because he is going to decrease taxes for 95% of Americans which has to include the common man because a common man is not 5% of the American population.
!!!!!!!The Truth is Mccain lies and deceives voters like in his convention speech where he presented the incomplete truth about his policies.!!!!!1
By the Way Grant was also a military hero who won because of his character. And his term was full of corruption. Why?
it is because he had no clue about wat the common man experiences just like MCcain and Palin. Well for all of u who claim that Obama is too young and inexperienced and young to be president. Guess wat? Mccain is too old to be president and fighting as a soldier is different from commanding a whole country's army and handling the economy (which does not only depend on the fundamentals (workers) but on the policies of the president for investors to invest in a crashing economy)and Palin is the worst possible VP candidate because she has no foreign policy experience which is needed in diplomatic relationships with other nations which the VP is responsible for. And being incharge of the Alaskan National Guard which had no crisis to face is not a qualification to be 2nd to commander in chief.
Obama on the other hand is willing to go against issues because of his minimal exposure to the corruption in washington.
For example, he opposed the War in Iraq which mccain supported just because the oil prices would go up leading to more profits for people like Bush and others in washington who own an oil drilling facility.
Mccain is just like Bush who deceived the public and charged into the War in Iraq (very similar to Vietnam war which had no reason but destroyed that country). Mccain lied to the public in his convention speech on his and Obama's tax policy for the common man.
And Bidden is a very good choice for VP because the VP is supposed to be the invisible leader of the Senate and maintain diplomatic relationships with foreign countries( Bidden was in the senate in charge of Foreign policy)
i say Mccain would be a good VP candidate because of his foriegn policy experience and long time in the Senate but asking him to be president is going too far. Having good character does not mean he is right on policies ( especially regarding the economy and the common man).
Go Obama and Bidden the better qualified ticket for the Presidency and the VP.

Posted by: no mccain | September 17, 2008 11:36 PM

From which

Rick Davis: Before becoming McCain’s campaign manager, Davis “served as president of an advocacy group led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that defended the two companies against increased regulation.” As noted in the Progress Report, “During his tenure, Davis moved to challenge even the smallest measures to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are be held more accountable for their actions.”

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:35 PM

You know I was for McCain until he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. I am not against her gender of youth. But I was really surprised at how stupid McCain has gotten, fooling the American people by picking somebody who knows didly about any place other than Alaska. There is a high chance that McCain who is the same age as Fidel Castro may crock on the job. We will be left with his pick Sarah Palin who has already belittled most of the women by showing that all you need is a lipstick to become the president of the United States.

Posted by: Jill | September 17, 2008 11:34 PM

A Look At McCain’s Economic Council: The People Who Tell Him ‘The Economy Is Strong’

"obama is playing the class warfare
card; but if he gets elected,
he will be the president
of the weathly and liberal left."

whaaaa? No wonder McCain is your candidiate, you're as dumb as he is!

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:31 PM

PA's 3rd Senator is an idiot... Palin will take him apart---methodically!!! I can't wait to see him squirm when she blasts him on all his "world class foreign policy experience"!!! Can it really be considered experience when you're WRONG on a regular basis????

Posted by: Delaware Vol | September 17, 2008 11:30 PM

I love the information highway (internet), these crooks can't fooled people anymore. Thank you Al Gore!

Posted by: goldieluck | September 17, 2008 11:29 PM

Wow, the WaPo doesn't even bother to hide their contempt for McCain-Palin any more. It must pain you to even attend these things Mr. Barnes.

Reporting, this was not.

Posted by: Vern | September 17, 2008 11:29 PM

40% of americans pay no
federal income tax.
so lets give them more
back of what they never
paid in.
40% is not a majority.
So why should us 60%
vote to give our money
to the 40% at the strong
arm of the IRS???

The problem is that the 40 percent you mention are corporations that get tax breaks and wealthy Americans who siphon their money elsewhere. Taxes are used not for some, but for all -- for the infrastructure (roads, bridges), for federal programs (FDA, CDC, FBI), for programs going to individual states, but with a national interest (ie farm subsidies, parks). There is also the national defense, the mints....

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:28 PM

"MOOSELINI PALIN"
lol, a catchphrase is born!

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:28 PM

McCAIN & PALIN are up to Republican "dirty" politics as usual.. She's no different from her GOP counterpart once the lies, etc caught up with her.. Like the old saying goes:

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."

Nice try Palin or McCain/Palin

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:28 PM

obama is playing the class warfare
card; but if he gets elected,
he will be the president
of the weathly and liberal left.

Posted by: simonsays1 | September 17, 2008 11:28 PM

To Audi, you are pathetic, you can't even write the right letters on Sarah's name. Where you at the same school together? Your Sarah is a pig, liar, and pathetic. If you admire her now because of her looks, wake up, because beauty doesn't last forever, character is. Vote for Obama and you will be bless with peace of mind that money cannot buy. Wake up before it's to late.

Posted by: goldieluck | September 17, 2008 11:26 PM

Republicans want for themselves, and only themselves,exclusively.

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:26 PM

Hacking and publishing Gov. Palin's Yahoo account was a bad move by who ever did it. If they had any real damning emails they should have released them up front because after today they will be of no value. People that support Obama will believe them and blog about how bad they are; McCain supporters will be outraged because it reinforces the premise that she is being treated unfairly; and undecided voters will not trust the content of any email message because they cannot be verified and for that reason, it supports the premise that she is being treated unfairly. Further, no one, liberal, conservative, or middle of the road American wants to see their privacy invaded.
Anything released will be denied and frankly cannot be proven. If you can hack the account, you can change the email message. My guess is in the coming days other emails will be released that will cast Palin in a bad light. John McCain’s camp and conservative media will say the messages have been doctored and the American people will believe them because in the end, the emails were stolen and who can trust a thief? The left leaning media will never be able to verify anything because no one will ever come forward to be interviewed because it will reveal their identity and if they get caught, they will go to jail. Again, if the media runs any possible story without verifiable proof it is further proof that the media is out to get her. This was a really stupid move. The risk in this case was much greater than any potential reward.

Posted by: Dr Jack | September 17, 2008 11:25 PM

Alan Chernoff's CNN Report on Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Buying Influence in Washington DC- Guess who DID take their money in a BIG way (yep B. Obama):

"Freddie Mac (FRE, Fortune 500) spent over $94.8-million on lobbyists since 1998, making it the nation's 12th-largest lobbying client, while Fannie Mae (FNM, Fortune 500) bought $79.5-million of influence, the 20th biggest spender, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

"They wanted to fend off regulation of their enterprises," said Massie Ritsch of the Center.

Until recent months, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac largely succeeded in that effort - functioning with relatively little oversight as they aggressively grew their portfolio of mortgages to try to increase earnings.

Campaign contributions bought influence as well, including donations to the presidential candidates.

Sen. Barack Obama is the No. 3 recipient of Fannie and Freddie campaign dollars, having collected $123,000 from the companies since he first ran for the Senate in 2004, according to the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics.

The former chief executive of Fannie Mae, James Johnson, was the original head of Obama's vice presidential search team. Johnson resigned from Obama's campaign amid controversy over discounted home loans he had received.

Sen. John McCain has received $19,000 from the two companies in the past ten years."
________

That's $40,000 a year for Obama and $1900 a year for McCain- Wow, Obama what do you owe them in return?

Posted by: Scott | September 17, 2008 11:24 PM

DJBoyer56 says:

"Republicans aren't the party of the wealthy" Hard to believe with delegates to their convention like the rich Denver lawyer who was ripped off of more than $50,000 worth of cash and jewelry by a hooker he took up to his hotel room.

What DJBoyer56 misses, and I don't see how anyone else can, is that we had a great economy the last time the Democrats were in office. Stock market up over 300%, 23 million jobs created, government in surplus. Let the middle class lead the charge and stand back. We already know how to do this. What we don't know how to do is create anything but economic disaster following Republican policies. Disclaimer: this has not always been true for personal wealth if your income is over $1 million dollars, since you have the benefit of being subsidized by us peons. But when you get a REAL Republican like Bush in office, and back him up with Republicans controlling both houses of Congress, as happened from 2001-2006, then eventually not even billionaires, like Hank Greenburg, are safe from the pain.

Posted by: orrg1 | September 17, 2008 11:23 PM

the core values of the obama
vision, are flawed.
If I work harder
and make more,
I am obligated to help
out those who work less
and make less.
anti capalism.
40% of americans pay no
federal income tax.
so lets give them more
back of what they never
paid in.
40% is not a majority.
So why should us 60%
vote to give our money
to the 40% at the strong
arm of the IRS???
according to obama
if you make less then 250K
you are middle class?
He lives in lala land.
He needs to get a real job,
and work for at least one
day of his life.

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 11:22 PM

CNN Report on Fannie Mae/Freedie Mac Buying Influence in Washington DC- Guess who DID take their money in a BIG way (yep B. Obama):

Freddie Mac (FRE, Fortune 500) spent over $94.8-million on lobbyists since 1998, making it the nation's 12th-largest lobbying client, while Fannie Mae (FNM, Fortune 500) bought $79.5-million of influence, the 20th biggest spender, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

"They wanted to fend off regulation of their enterprises," said Massie Ritsch of the Center.

Until recent months, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac largely succeeded in that effort - functioning with relatively little oversight as they aggressively grew their portfolio of mortgages to try to increase earnings.

Campaign contributions bought influence as well, including donations to the presidential candidates.

Sen. Barack Obama is the No. 3 recipient of Fannie and Freddie campaign dollars, having collected $123,000 from the companies since he first ran for the Senate in 2004, according to the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics.

The former chief executive of Fannie Mae, James Johnson, was the original head of Obama's vice presidential search team. Johnson resigned from Obama's campaign amid controversy over discounted home loans he had received.

Sen. John McCain has received $19,000 from the two companies in the past ten years

Posted by: Scott | September 17, 2008 11:21 PM

The bridge to nowhere was actually the bridge to Wasilla. Palin was the mayor of nowhere.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:20 PM

you lefties sure are lippy

Posted by: Ric | September 17, 2008 11:19 PM

Bush should be tired of solving these problems? Wow America with Clinton had a time of economic prosperity in which when he left, there was a 3 trillion dollar surplus. Terrorism and the deal with Bin Laden has been around for a lot longer than Clinton (the Gulf War maybe pushed a few buttons? Our presence in the Middle East pushed a few buttons?) Bush is the cause of all of these problems and McCain isn't the one to fix them. Do you really think YOUR party is going to fix the problems that YOUR party has caused?

Oh and I know why Palin doesn't know about the Bush Doctrine, its because she is the Bush Doctrine which consists of seeing Russia from an island from Alaska. I can see the moon, but it doesn't mean I know anything about it.

Posted by: Chris | September 17, 2008 11:18 PM

McLAME & MOOSELINI PALIN equals a further descent into hell under Republican leadership or shall we say lack of!

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:17 PM

Sarah Palin has foreign affairs looking across the Bering Strait and watching the Russian landscape,

Posted by: Rico | September 17, 2008 11:16 PM

This is so weird like some comedy routine. Pinch me, is this real. I wish SNL would do a redo on this.

Modest, my "xxx".

What happened to the economy? What happened to finanical crisis and what they are going to do?

Posted by: lucy2008 | September 17, 2008 11:16 PM

dailysource.org - so where is CNN's and NPR's in depth report on Obama?

Frankly, if Alaska succeeded in getting out of the US I'd seriously think about moving up there and leave this mess for the rabid ding bat posters here (not to include the intelligent, thoughtful posters whether I agree with them or not).

Our problems will never be solved with the level that our so- called political discourse has sunk to.

Posted by: Jilly | September 17, 2008 11:16 PM

"John McCain is out there "saving working people" from "Obama tax hike" that will put $650 dollars into the pocket of a taxpayer earning $19000."

* McCain falsely claimed Obama's plan would increase taxes on 23 million small-business owners, when the vast majority of them would get a cut. Any increase would actually fall only on the most affluent, a few hundred thousand business owners.

* McCain falsely claimed Obama "says he'll raise taxes on electricity," though Obama has said no such thing and his tax plan contains no proposal for a tax on electricity.

* As noted already, McCain falsely claimed Obama once voted for a Democratic budget bill that called for raising taxes on persons making as little as $32,000 a year, when in fact the proposal would not have affected anyone with total income under $41,500 a year, or $83,000 for a married couple with no children.

* McCain stated that Obama would raise taxes "if you have an investment for your child’s education or own a mutual fund or a stock in a retirement plan." This was found to be "false" by our colleagues at Politifact.com, and we concur.

McCain has been twisting tax facts about Obama as far back as June 10, when he gave a speech to a small-business gathering saying: "Under Senator Obama's tax plan, Americans of every background would see their taxes rise." There may be persons of "every background" among the affluent, but McCain's phrasing was misleading. These ads continue his long-running pattern of deception on tax

Yup Republicans have a pattent on patriotism. Your not a patriot if you don't vote for them. It's true!

Posted by: Jeff | September 17, 2008 11:14 PM

Can't wait till the VP Debate. Joe Biden will demonstrate to America how to field dress a red herring.

Posted by: Oregon | September 17, 2008 11:13 PM

It is so pathetic to see the republican team. John McCain already has one leg in the grave. Other than Sarah Palin there is really no other leader in the party who its young. Each and every one is so old that the republican party gets dentures for its party members in bulk from costco to save money. Not only that McCain has attracted only old farts like Liebermann to be by his side. The few middle aged women like Lipstick Palin and Foot in the mouth Fiorina have no knowledge about how Washington works. They have basically come to the scene only this year acting as apprentice.

Posted by: McElvain | September 17, 2008 11:13 PM

Vote American.
McCain/Palin08

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 11:13 PM

A wonderful article.
It seems to point out
that us american's
is just simple folk.
And we is a going to
vote for simple folk
like us.
Proud is vote
for mccain/palin.
just to tick off
the media and those
so much smarter then
we is.

Posted by: simonsays1 | September 17, 2008 11:11 PM

McCain / Palin - Aren't the two we'll ever need..

Let her continue on that Bridge to Nowhere while he retires in the Arizona sunset come November 5th..

Obama / Biden - the right candidates for the job..

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:11 PM

McCain's Campain advisor is Rick Davis - former Fannie Mae lobbyist!

McCain has also taken money from corprate insiders from these institutions.

McCain's campaign changes day to day, doesn't it? Hour by hour sometimes.
A confused, rich, old school republican portraying himself as the maverick who will shake up things, get our economy straight(and balanace the budget in four years!) all while seeking victory in the war(occupation) of Iraq at a cost of ten billion a month. And Sarah the cheerleader will get him them votes, won't she? I know the right wing wierdo evangelicals are praying hard she will.
"Help us defeat these liberal socialists from destroying our country, dear lord!"
Pathetic and shamefull, lying and deceiving, pandering and patronizing their way to glory.
How they're drooling to throw in the race card I wonder. How much they would do do to keep our country pure and for themselves.
"Make sure you get a so-called moderate conservative, put some distance between him and Bush, and find someone for him to run with that can get us more votes from our clueless, backwards flock of sheep. Don't worry about the rich, we have them in our pockets."
Republicans want for themselves, and only themselves,exclusively.
Watch them self destruct in the next month, America.
Listen to their hypocritical, self serving comments.
Judge for yourself in November.

Posted by: tom | September 17, 2008 11:10 PM

So glad to hear that McCain and Palin are addressing our current problems, like the economy. Oh, did hey forget that?

It seems that the only thing they can talk about is mavericks. Guess that's easier than trying to talk about a subject neither of them knows anything about.

Oh, and for the trolls talking about Iran or Iraq or whatever that filmy lie is -- the story has been completely debunked. I know that truth is not important to the McCain campaign, but perhaps it is relevant to the normal American.

Posted by: Helen | September 17, 2008 11:10 PM

Any drilling the press continues on McCain and Palin is a gross violation of the meaning behind a free press. Yes, we have one and it runs the gamut from smut to theology. But this years edition has failed the unwritten compact it has with the American people to present the facts and repudiate any advocacy of one ticket over the other.

The statistical and moral imbalance the press has dealt the public is a travesty and has rend the moral compact of honesty and honor with the public. The Obama ticket has had the greatest unexamined free ride perhaps in our entire history. I certainly can say it's the greatest since I started following politics fifty plus years ago.

I realize that attempting to shame an institution that has gone bad is a waste of time but the honest public and the undecided citizen can still recognize a railroading when they see it. The press is a bright shiny locomotive doing everything in its power to anoint Obama instead of scrutinizing him. Between Obama's list of felonious friends, questionable citizenship, shady “community organizing” with Bill Ayers, and the dubious claim of Christianity there's enough material to bury any hope of his candidacy if we had an honest press. The press won't touch any of it. Their focus is on the destruction of the Republican ticket. Shakespeare had it only half right in Henry VI when he proclaimed that “the first thing we do is kill all the lawyers.” You can now add with a clean conscience the leftist advocacy press.

Posted by: Habu | September 17, 2008 11:09 PM

Charlie need a history lesson lmao! Osama Bin Ladin didn't start with Clinton... it started with Ronald Reagen during the 1980's when we covertly used Israel and Pakistan to fight the Soviet Union! Clinton had to fix the Republican problems!

Posted by: Ron Paul Supporter | September 17, 2008 11:09 PM

MCSAME AND PALIAR=BUSH 4.0

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:08 PM

bgjd1979 said:

John McCain has yet to point to any real action he ever took that constitutes "helping the working people."

John McCain is out there "saving working people" from "Obama tax hike" that will put $650 dollars into the pocket of a taxpayer earning $19000.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:07 PM

obama comes across as sarcastic,
biden comes across as crazy mean.
together we can call them
dazed and diffused.

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 11:07 PM

"Could one of you drill baby drill idiots please explain how putting 1% more american oil on a WORLD FRIGGING MARKET helps?"

Actually, 1% can make a big difference in the world oil market.

Posted by: Reality Check | September 17, 2008 11:07 PM

Palin...What is the McCain campaign afraid might come out with Alaska investigation? Truth?! Why are they advising her not to speak or cooperate with the investigators after she said publicly she would and had nothing to hide? Obama operatives in Alaska? OH PLEASE!!Her state legislature is majority Republican and voted unanimously to move forward with an investigation. Can someone please shed some light on this one?!!

Posted by: Gilly | September 17, 2008 11:06 PM

n a few weeks we will make a choice that will decide our future.
This time the stakes are much higher then most people could imagine
I would like to point out some things You may already know with a new perspective.

I follow a economist named bob proctor who has called the top and bottom of every market crash since the 70s correctly.
He perfectly predicted the current real estate market meltdown ,and the picture he paints about what will happen in the next couple years
Is terrifying. He thinks it could get worse then the great depression.
Banks in the US are going under one after the other. Country wide the largest morgage bank in the world
Bear Stearns and Lehman brothers , and Merrill Lynch which are 3 out of the top 5 wall street firms.
And now Fanny and Freddy which hold 50 percent of the home loans in the United States.

The goverment took them over because they are essentially bankrupt.
If they didn't the entire financially system would virtually shut down, the stock market would crash
And we would suffer beyond what any of us have seen before
The future of these companies will fall into the hands of our next president
And all of our economic future depends on them reorganizing these companies right.

Lehman, Merill Lynch, and Bear Sterns have survived for over 150 years and survived even the great depression
They are important because the are the biggest engines of growth in america and
they are connected to almost everything.
The last time the real estate market numbers looked this bad was during
The great depression and real estate often leads the way into major economic recessions.

One out of 10 Americans is somewhere in the foreclosure process.
During the last 8 years the average person saw there salary drop instead
Of increase. These are all facts no one will argue with.
The truth is we are only in the start of the worst economy we have seen in our generation
and a very real possibility of another depression.

Bush just like Mcain doesn't understand the economy.
That not just my opinion its his own words. Not only does he not understand how to fix it
He does not understand exactly what is broken. Its no surprise that he doesnt. The people that make up these
securities use complex math models very few people understand.
They are basically bundles of thousand of loans some good and some bad that are then given rules based on quantitiative
math. It will take the best and brightest minds in the world to get us out of this, and the same things bush and mcain have done for the last 8 years
Have not worked so far and wont work in the future.

If you do what you have always done then you will do get what you have always __________
90 percent of the time they have voted the same.

Please don't just take my word for it Start to read up on some of this yourself. MSN money, elliot wave and, bloomberg
Have tons of articles That prove we are in the heading into one of the worst economies any one has ever seen.

So why are the polls even close then ?

The chairman of mcains campaign recently said that people don't vote on issues
they vote on a personality composite which means. He is trying to sell personality instead
of results.

He believes people will vote against there own self interests.
Lets teach him we are smarter then that and elect the ticket that can
bring us back from the brink of a economic abyss.
If you think i am kidding do your own home work you will find
We are at the start of this mess not the end.

Mcain admits in the year 2008 he cannot use a computer even to send email
Its almost impossible then he will understand the complex securities such as cdos that are destroying wall street
and the home values on your street.

We are not bulletproof america it time to wake up and hold these people accountable.

How many people that you go out and have drinks with would you really want running the country?
Lets stand up and fight for our country now while it will still make a difference
Lets elect Obama Biden 08

Posted by: no way no how no mccain | September 17, 2008 11:06 PM

The whole Terroism war started because President Clinton pressed the missile button over Bin Laden.

Also the housing problem was started during democrats period by disturbing housing policies ( they call Change).

President Bush should be tired of solving these problems. If Democrats come again, I am scared what they are going to do and wondering how many years, people are going to suffer.

Posted by: Charlie | September 17, 2008 10:56 PM

-------------------------
PuhHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Sorry Charlie. Your post is so moronic I have to laugh out loud.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
8 years of George W, 6 years of a GOP-led congress and you still blame Clinton. In effect you are saying George W did nothing during his tenure.

Oh wait a second...I have to agree! W sat around with his thumb up his a$$

Posted by: :-) | September 17, 2008 11:06 PM

Big Mac with Cheese...
True mavericks were those of us who took a stand against the Iraq War when it wasn't the popular thing to do in Washington... McCain's "maverick" positions pale in comparison to Barack Obama's stance against the Iraq war.

Posted by: Ron Paul Supporter | September 17, 2008 11:05 PM

John McCain thinks he can get to the white house by just show casing Vanna White, I mean Sarah Palin. The problem is having Sarah Palin around him all the time makes him look even older than what he really is. All he needs is somebody to say yes to him, and cheer him where ever he goes. What a joke. When our country is facing such a huge crisis in the military department, foreign relations, job market, and financial markets he thinks people are foolish enough to vote for him based on the what is between the legs of his running mate. He is a very shallow, dirty old man.

I expect to see more of the "economic conservative" Republicans fall away from the party as they see it more and more in thrall to religious radicals, and less capable of actually governing. They might not even mind paying the taxes they did under Clinton if they could just get that economy back, rather than the smoldering wreckage that it is now. The DJIA is the same as it was 8 years ago, whereas under Clinton it gained 7000 points, or 300%.

Posted by: orrg1 | September 17, 2008 11:03 PM

To USA3:

Since when is calling a liar a liar wrong? I say shoot the old fool for lying. Perhaps the Vietnames will put him back in cage.

Posted by: matt | September 17, 2008 11:02 PM

If the Washington Post couldn't make McCain & Palin sound any worse than this, they must have really been a knockout!

Palin, read my lipstick, "You Don't Represent Me". Never Have, Never Will!
Seems your star's getting dimmer by the minute with your half a$$ lies and attempts to continue fooling the public with the same scripted convention BS.. If you're such a pitbull and reformer, you'd have no problem answering anyone's questions about your past, the present or the future vision you and McCain have for this Nation.. If you can't discuss issues, with resolve, facing US, how the hell can you elaborate, on problems, with other Nations? Hey dude, I can see Russia from my house, just won't do..

Obama / Biden

Posted by: dfviney | September 17, 2008 11:02 PM

'Is that not incest?'-Joseph Hanes

If the Dem's have their way, incest will be leaglized, just like gay marriage. That will open the door for what they really want: Gay incest marriage.

McCain/Palin 2008! Palin/Bullwinkle 2012!

Some people wear Superman pj's, Superman wears John McCain pj's.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:02 PM

Sarah ready to speak to the public and answer tough question from Day 1 .....er...Day 25?

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 11:00 PM

McCain sounded really old and tired.
Palin should wear a button stating -
This message was prerecorded.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 10:59 PM

The question about her foreign policy credentials seemed to be more of a comment. (I'm not sure Obama would be asked such a "question.") If someone really wants her views on a specific aspect of U.S. foreign policy, than ask. That's all she was trying to say.

Posted by: APalinFan | September 17, 2008 10:58 PM

Calling your opponent a liar.
is a sad technique
to diffuse the real issues facing america.
600 million dollars to bombard us with ads
that insult our intelligence.
mr obama, there are people losing their
homes, struggling, to make ends meet.
and your response, john mccain is a liar.
That doesnt help me or my neighbors.
Go back to chicago.
And leave us alone!

Posted by: USA3 | September 17, 2008 10:57 PM

Wow. They can actually talk. I am SO impressed. Well that's it for me. They sure should be out Pres and VP. *puke*

Posted by: Scy | September 17, 2008 10:56 PM

The whole Terroism war started because President Clinton pressed the missile button over Bin Laden.

Also the housing problem was started during democrats period by disturbing housing policies ( they call Change).

President Bush should be tired of solving these problems. If Democrats come again, I am scared what they are going to do and wondering how many years, people are going to suffer.

Posted by: Charlie | September 17, 2008 10:56 PM

Sarah Palin is nothing more than a cheerleader. McCain won't let her get out of his sight. I want to see her go alone to an interview and make a fool of herself like Carly Fiorina did. Bu McCain has decided that Sarah cannot get off of his lap until the election is over.
=================================
I think McCain is afraid to campaign alone now since these people really don't want to see him at all. They just want him to be a vehicle to get a fundamentalist like Palin in a position to run for president.

Posted by: L Stock | September 17, 2008 10:55 PM

Is that not incest?

Posted by: Joseph Hanes | September 17, 2008 10:55 PM

When I look at the sad state of the Republican party, it makes me wonder how we ever fell for the same platform to elect Bush. I guess war is the magic election pill for the Republicans but this time we have our own war at home with the economy. Something the Republicans only understand at the very top and the hell with middle class.

I wonder why no one really states the obvious why conservatives don't want Obama to be President -- Greed. The rich had it good under the Bush administration, but with Obama in office they actually may have to pay their fair share of taxes. They talk about redistribution of wealth under Obama yet under Bush the wealth was distributed at the top by giving every tax loop hole Bush could manufacture for those who backed his politics. McCain and his cronies would do the same while middle class purchasing power keeps going down by the thousands as prices go up. I'm sure something McCain's lifestyle and his friends don't have to worry about.

I laughed my head off when McCain talked about having a commission for the economic crisis we are in. Can you imagine -- the same idiots and lobbyists who got us in this mess would be the ones he would put on the commission. Lets dig the hole deeper.

While we are at it, lets add troopergate to this disaster. If that was a democrat squishing subpoenas, the conservative press and talk shows would be screaming "they must have something to hide or why else would they have a team of lawyers in Alaska".

McCain said he would surround himself with the best and brightest if he becomes President. I wonder if those he surrounds himself with now is what he considers the best and the brightest. If he does, than we are in trouble if he becomes President.

Remember that old song, "North to Alaska" If Palin is what McCain considers President material if he kicks the bucket, the rush is on.

Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.

Big Sam left Seattle in the year of '92,
With George Pratt, his partner, and brother, Billy, too.
They crossed the Yukon River and found the bonanza gold.
Below that old white mountain just a little south-east of Nome.

Sam crossed the majestic mountains to the valleys far below.
He talked to his team of huskies as he mushed on through the snow.
With the northern lights a-running wild in the land of the midnight sun,
Yes, Sam McCord was a mighty man in the year of nineteen-one.

Where the river is winding,
Big nuggets they're finding.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.

Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.

George turned to Sam with his gold in his hand,
Said: "Sam you're a-lookin'at a lonely, lonely man.
"I'd trade all the gold that's buried in this land,
"For one small band of gold to place on sweet little Ginnie's hand.

"'Cos a man needs a woman to love him all the time.
"Remember, Sam, a true love is so hard to find.
"I'd build for my Ginnie, a honeymoon home.
"Below that old white mountain just a little south-east of Nome."

Where the river is winding,
Big nuggets they're finding.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.

Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
Way up north, (North To Alaska.)
Way up north, (North To Alaska.)

Posted by: dan | September 17, 2008 10:54 PM

Barak Obama likes to knit sweaters, if by 'knit' you mean kill and by 'sweaters' you mean babies.

McCain/Palin 2008! Palin/Chuck Norris 2012!

Some people wear Superman pj's, Superman wears John McCain pj's.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 10:54 PM

McCain-Palin and their Bush-Rove staffed and run campaign are apparently counting on their audiences being so dumb and gullible that they do not care if they are lied to and duped repeatedly. When McCain-Palin claim to be agents of reform and change, what they mean is they are constantly reforming and changing their positions and the facts. McCain says change is coming, so I guess we will see even more of this "change."

Posted by: L Stock | September 17, 2008 10:51 PM

Sarah Palin is nothing more than a cheerleader. McCain won't let her get out of his sight. I want to see her go alone to an interview and make a fool of herself like Carly Fiorina did. Bu McCain has decided that Sarah cannot get off of his lap until the election is over.

Posted by: Louis | September 17, 2008 10:51 PM

Could one of you drill baby drill idiots please explain how putting 1% more american oil on a WORLD FRIGGING MARKET helps?

This isn't Venezuela -- we don't have a nationalized oil industry.

Stupid people. Stupid stupid stupid repuglicans.

Posted by: Drill Baby Drill idtiots | September 17, 2008 10:50 PM

They've had enough time to prep her and she still had to be "rescued" from the foreign policy experience question. I am INCENSED that she is the GOP VP nominee - that she furthers the stereotype of someone getting to where she is because of her gender. Obama has better judgement, better people, and more integrity than McCain, and so he gets my vote.

Posted by: bessy | September 17, 2008 10:49 PM

Forgive me, Lord, for I am so ignorant that I know not what I talk about.

Posted by: Kevin | September 17, 2008 10:48 PM

this is a pathetic example of the tail wagging the dog. Eighty percent of the money, votes, and enthusiasm this ticket attracts will be owing to infatuation with Palin. Nobody cared that McCain was running for president.

Posted by: stan rollinman | September 17, 2008 10:48 PM

Republicans aren't the party of the wealthy. That is one of the worst misconceptions in American politics. The right side of the aisle has alligned itself with a strong free market tradition allowing the businesses to run the market and give people choices without goverment intervention. The left has always been about keeping business regulated so the people come before a profitable business. This is common knowledge, but just because the worker is not at the top of the economic agenda doesn't mean that the conservatives in Washington don't care. Let's finally break this down. The liberals want to lower taxes on individuals in the middle class and raise more capital by raising taxes on corporations (placing more burden on oil companies...unconstitutional by the way). However, what happens when companies are taxed higher? Answer: Their profits go down. And when corporate profits are down, what is the first thing they do? Answer: LAY OFFS and they ship the job overseas so a thrid-world worker will do the same job for half the price. And since our wonderful President Clinton passed that wonderful NAFTA deal those companies can import everything from Mexico for free.

Face it, an economic plan that only focuses on the companies kills the worker by enslaving them to the companies they work for. An economic plan that only focuses on the people strangles businesses to the point that they can no longer employ the workers. There is no solution to the problem we have now. We cannot fix our economy today. The next president, whoever it is, will need to:
1: Help push through a constitutional amendment limiting pork barrel spending. The Federal government cannot keep taxing us into oblivion while making sure that the mating habits of Atlantic Cod are in order. (Line item veto is interesting in this case but inappropriate at the Fedral Level)
2: They will need to work with the leaders of America's top corporations and congress to find an appropriate medium on the tax rate. We need to make it cheaper for businesses to operate in America like it was in the 50s.
3: NAFTA must then be scaled back for the short term, it is not the job of America to indirectly fund the governments of Mexico and Canada. Protectionism is a failed economic policy, but with the price of running a busness in America today, it may be the only way to force businesses to keep jobs in the US.
4: Taxes must be lowered across the board. A proportional tax rate must be adopted, and with pork barrel spending reigned in, what does the money-hungry government need with all the revenue?
5: Scrap ethanol and other farm subsidies. It has proven itself an absolute waste and a drag on growth with the overwhelming increase in food prices. 20% ethanol gas is a political ploy anyway.
6: Drill for oil in Alaska and do it now. The north slope has already been tapped. Oil can be flowing from that pipeline in 3 months. And also, redesginate polar bears, their numbers have soared, but everybody is too afraid of the environmental backlash.
7: Take those the money we pay for ethanol research and give it to Detroit auto makers to develop natural gas cars. (Iran is doing it...)
8: Set up an indpendent commission to study the sub-prime crisis. Placing blame does nothing but make the new administration look good in history books. Fingerpointing is not a solution anymore and we need to review our practices and enact reform like the 9/11 panel did. This is an economic 9/11 and it will take the same solution to find out why it happened and prevent another blunder.

This is simple economic policy. McCain and Obama both get this, but they're too busy trying to woo voters they forget it. They both bash eachother so much they just pray that nobody ever asks them directly what they plan on doing. It's too risky politically to tell the American people what needs to be done, and that is pathetic.

Posted by: DJBoyer56 | September 17, 2008 10:47 PM

John McCain and Sarah Palin are still in their honeymoon phase. McCain occassionally checks with Sarah to see whether she has anything to add. Some people heard her say that once she becomes the VP she will ask all McDonalds to serve mooseburger instead of hamburger.

Posted by: Joe | September 17, 2008 10:46 PM

I'm going to give 95%
of people a tax break,
and add 900 million
in spending
I'm barak obama
and if you believe
this b.s. vote for me
Nobama

Posted by: simonsays1 | September 17, 2008 10:46 PM

Think of it this way.

We have been hearing since Reagan that “Government is the problem”; that government should get “out of the way”; that the private sector can always do it better and cheaper.

If one has this philosophy then it is natural to undermine government; to get it “out of the way”.

The Bush administration has systematically undermined the efficacy of the government by gutting any agency which it views as “standing in the way”.

You appoint “your guys” no matter how incompetent; you oust the professionals; you gut their budgets. You oppose anything which might “impede” the private sector corporations - consumer protections; food inspections; road and bridge inspection; financial regulations. You politicize the Justice Department, so that it finds nothing, even torture, objectionable. Anti-trust enforcement becomes non-existent.

You never lift a voice or use the bully pulpit against corporations shipping jobs wholesale overseas. Our retailers buy their inventory from China and you ship them our money, never insisting that China adjust its foreign exchange rate. Then you borrow the money back from China to plug our budget deficit, caused by corporate tax cuts and cuts for the top 1% of Americans. You ship the borrowed money to our oil suppliers and oppose any effort to reduce dependency by seeking alternative renewable sources of fuel. After all, you’re an oil man.

You start an unnecessary war costing hundreds of billions of dollars much of it going to favored construction companies doing work shoddy enough to electrocute ten soldiers in their showers. Hired thugs masquerading as “security details” rake in more of the money, answering to no one. You “rebuild” Iraq (which we never had to destroy anyway) while the Iraqis have almost $80 billion in the bank.

You shred the Constitution, abridge habeas corpus. You get elected by selling your “values” while robbing the country blind. You never talk about economics. You always scare the voters with the next bogeyman around the corner. When the media disagrees with you, you attack it as “unfair” with “liberal bias”. You start your own media outlets that parrot the party line.

You take the country into a permanent state of war with a volunteer army - a state so permanent no one even notices it anymore as they go to the mall. You ask nothing from them but their acquiescence.

“Just go shopping folks!”

What we clearly have now is a corporate state run by those who think law doesn’t apply to them.

Call it fascist.

"When fascism comes, it will come wrapped in an American flag carrying a cross."

Sinclair Lewis

Posted by: toritto | September 17, 2008 10:45 PM

LIE SARAH LIE! LIE SARAH LIE!LIE SARAH LIE! MCCAIN TOO

Posted by: MAT | September 17, 2008 10:45 PM

McCain is going to take her to the U.N. and let her shake hands with a few foreign leaders. Well it is like take your daughter to work day for McCain. McCain is as old as dirt and Sarah Palin will accompany him to make sure that he doesn't trip on the steps of the U.N. U.N. grounds are technically not U.S soil. Therefore hope she takes her passport with her. She is already as excited as if she is going to disneyland.

Posted by: Sam | September 17, 2008 10:43 PM

Just think, if that commie pinko Palin were at the top of the ticket... we could COUNT on a wealth redistribution taking from rich oil companies and distributing to the poor (everyone else).

The federal government bought the territory of Alaska - shouldn't we all share in the wealth? Like we're telling the Iraqis? But nooOOOOooo... instead, Alaska is the number one pork barrel state in the union. What gives??

Editor's Note: Writer Steve Benen has graciously compiled a comprehensive tally of John McCain's flip-flops on issues ranging from national security to energy. The following is Benen's list of 61 clear 180-degree switches by McCain on the biggest issues of the day.

National Security Policy

1. McCain thought Bush's warrantless wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.

2. McCain insisted that everyone, even "terrible killers," "the worst kind of scum of humanity," and detainees at Guantanamo Bay, "deserve to have some adjudication of their cases," even if that means "releasing some of them." McCain now believes the opposite.

3. He opposed indefinite detention of terrorist suspects. When the Supreme Court reached the same conclusion, he called it "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country."

4. In February, McCain reversed course on prohibiting waterboarding.

5. McCain favored closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay before he was against it.

6. When Barack Obama talked about going after terrorists in Pakistani mountains with Predators, McCain criticized him for it. He's since come to the opposite conclusion.

Foreign Policy

7. McCain was for kicking Russia out of the G8 before he was against it.

8. McCain supported moving "toward normalization of relations" with Cuba. Now he believes the opposite.

9. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Hamas. Now he believes the opposite.

10. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Syria. Now he believes the opposite.

11. McCain is both for and against a "rogue state rollback" as a focus of his foreign policy vision.

12. McCain used to champion the Law of the Sea convention, even volunteering to testify on the treaty's behalf before a Senate committee. Now he opposes it.

13. McCain was against divestment from South Africa before he was for it.

Military Policy

14. McCain recently claimed that he was the "greatest critic" of Rumsfeld's failed Iraq policy. In December 2003, McCain praised the same strategy as "a mission accomplished." In March 2004, he said, "I'm confident we're on the right course." In December 2005, he said, "Overall, I think a year from now, we will have made a fair amount of progress if we stay the course."

15. McCain has changed his mind about a long-term U.S. military presence in Iraq on multiple occasions, concluding, on multiple occasions, that a Korea-like presence is both a good idea and a bad idea.

16. McCain said before the war in Iraq, "We will win this conflict. We will win it easily." Four years later, McCain said he knew all along that the war in Iraq war was "probably going to be long and hard and tough."

17. McCain has repeatedly said it's a dangerous mistake to tell the "enemy" when U.S. troops would be out of Iraq. In May, McCain announced that most American troops would be home from Iraq by 2013.

18. McCain was against expanding the GI Bill before he was for it.

Domestic Policy

19. McCain defended "privatizing" Social Security. Now he says he's against privatization (though he actually still supports it.)

20. McCain wanted to change the Republican Party platform to protect abortion rights in cases of rape and incest. Now he doesn't.

22. He argued that the NRA should not have a role in the Republican Party's policy making. Now he believes the opposite.

23. In 1998, he championed raising cigarette taxes to fund programs to cut underage smoking, insisting that it would prevent illnesses and provide resources for public health programs. Now, McCain opposes a $0.61-per-pack tax increase, won't commit to supporting a regulation bill he's co-sponsoring, and has hired Philip Morris' former lobbyist as his senior campaign adviser.

24. McCain is both for and against earmarks for Arizona.

25. McCain's first mortgage plan was premised on the notion that homeowners facing foreclosure shouldn't be "rewarded" for acting "irresponsibly." His second mortgage plan took largely the opposite position.

26. McCain went from saying gay marriage should be allowed, to saying gay marriage shouldn't be allowed.

27. McCain opposed a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. before he supported it.

28. McCain was anti-ethanol. Now he's pro-ethanol.

29. McCain was both for and against state promotion of the Confederate flag.

30. In 2005, McCain endorsed intelligent design creationism, a year later he said the opposite, and a few months after that, he was both for and against creationism at the same time.

Economic Policy

31. McCain was against Bush's tax cuts for the very wealthy before he was for them.

32. John McCain initially argued that economics is not an area of expertise for him, saying, "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues; I still need to be educated," and "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." He now falsely denies ever having made these remarks and insists that he has a "very strong" understanding of economics.

33. McCain vowed, if elected, to balance the federal budget by the end of his first term. Soon after, he decided he would no longer even try to reach that goal. And soon after that, McCain abandoned his second position and went back to his first.

34. McCain said in 2005 that he opposed the tax cuts because they were "too tilted to the wealthy." By 2007, he denied ever having said this, and falsely argued that he opposed the cuts because of increased government spending.

35. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.

36. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a "'read my lips' candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?" referring to George H.W. Bush's 1988 pledge. "No new taxes," McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, "I'm not making a 'read my lips' statement, in that I will not raise taxes."

38. McCain believes Americans are both better and worse off economically than they were before Bush took office.

Energy Policy

39. McCain supported the moratorium on coastal drilling; now he's against it.

40. McCain recently announced his strong opposition to a windfall tax on oil company profits. Three weeks earlier, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea.

41. McCain endorsed a cap-and-trade policy with a mandatory emissions cap. In mid-June, McCain announced he wants the caps to be voluntary.

42. McCain explained his belief that a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax would provide an immediate economic stimulus. Shortly thereafter, he argued the exact opposite.

43. McCain supported the Lieberman/Warner legislation to combat global warming. Now he doesn't.

Immigration Policy

44. McCain was a co-sponsor of the DREAM Act, which would grant legal status to illegal immigrants' kids who graduate from high school. Now he's against it.

45. On immigration policy in general, McCain announced in February 2008 that he would vote against his own bill.

46. In April, McCain promised voters that he would secure the borders "before proceeding to other reform measures." Two months later, he abandoned his public pledge, pretended that he'd never made the promise in the first place, and vowed that a comprehensive immigration reform policy has always been, and would always be, his "top priority."

Judicial Policy and the Rule of Law

47. McCain said he would "not impose a litmus test on any nominee." He used to promise the opposite.

48. McCain believes the telecoms should be forced to explain their role in the administration's warrantless surveillance program as a condition for retroactive immunity. He used to believe the opposite.

49. McCain went from saying he would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade to saying the exact opposite.

Campaign, Ethics, and Lobbying Reform

50. McCain supported his own lobbying-reform legislation from 1997. Now he doesn't.

51. In 2006, McCain sponsored legislation to require grassroots lobbying coalitions to reveal their financial donors. In 2007, after receiving "feedback" on the proposal, McCain told far-right activist groups that he opposes his own measure.

52. McCain supported a campaign-finance bill, which bore his name, on strengthening the public-financing system. In June 2007, he abandoned his own legislation.

Politics and Associations

53. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist John Hagee. Now he doesn't.

54. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist Rod Parsley. Now he doesn't.

55. McCain says he considered and did not consider joining John Kerry's Democratic ticket in 2004.

56. McCain is both for and against attacking Barack Obama over his former pastor at his former church.

57. McCain criticized TV preacher Jerry Falwell as "an agent of intolerance" in 2002, but then decided to cozy up to the man who said Americans "deserved" the 9/11 attacks.

58. In 2000, McCain accused Texas businessmen Sam and Charles Wyly of being corrupt, spending "dirty money" to help finance Bush's presidential campaign. McCain not only filed a complaint against the Wylys for allegedly violating campaign finance law, he also lashed out at them publicly. In April, McCain reached out to the Wylys for support.

59. McCain was against presidential candidates campaigning at Bob Jones University before he was for it.

60. McCain decided in 2000 that he didn't want anything to do with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, believing he "would taint the image of the 'Straight Talk Express.'" Kissinger is now the honorary co-chair for his presidential campaign in New York.

61. McCain believed powerful right-wing activist/lobbyist Grover Norquist was "corrupt, a shill for dictators, and (with just a dose of sarcasm) Jack Abramoff's gay lover." McCain now considers Norquist a key political ally.

Posted by: Jeff | September 17, 2008 10:41 PM

my favorite definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result

Posted by: melvin | September 17, 2008 10:40 PM

reason liberal men are mad is because Governor Palin has more balls than they do. Lets see Osama yo mama go hunting or run a fishing boat in alaska.

Posted by: MIll | September 17, 2008 10:38 PM

liberal wackos in head explode mode. I love it.

Posted by: Bill | September 17, 2008 10:36 PM

Enough of the McSame-Pain lies!

Posted by: Jason | September 17, 2008 10:35 PM

I don't think Senator Obama will be up to the mark. He has Flip Flopped, he has told he pressed the wrong buttons ( Come'on, I can close my eyes and press green button )

Senator Obama has been certified as the least qualifying candidate. Biden's statements were scary. He has said recently he is not a debator, wow, Democrats did a wrong pick and want to degrade McCain Palin, what a shame...

Wonder if it is true that Obama has solicited OJ Simpson to bump off mutual opponent of both parties specifically tonight to win in November and election has little to do with issues and popularity?

Apparently the mutual opponent is wealthy and exposed corruption within both parties and is presently targeted.

Or will the GOP solicit Guiliani-like mob ties such used by his protege, ex-NYPD commissioner and was indicted and doing jail time today? Or solicit Gotti, Jr. whose conspiracy and murder trial is currently going on? BTW, OJ's kidnap and robbery trial is currently going on too.

Will both political parties engage in the popular law enforcement practice of "sweetheart exchange deals" where convicts commit crime/murder in exchange for less jail time, conveniently covered up and real culprits are not suspected?

If so, will OJ's trial get suddenly dropped and he walks away scot free as part of the sweetheart exchange deal?

Given this information, will we too have to worry about our physical safety? For example, will my husband have to worry about his life while jogging after work as is his routine tomorrow in the Hackensack, Bogota and Teaneck areas in NJ? Will I have to worry about my bus ride to and from the Port Authority tomorrow afternoon? Do we have to worry about being bumped off in the middle of the night inside our home?

What do you think?

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 10:32 PM

Obama went to Iraq and undermined a sitting President. That is going to be big news the next few weeks.

The mortgage mess was caused by Democrat Bill Clinton forcing lenders to lower standards; which is what Democrats do.

Fannie Mae was run into the ground by Franklin Raines, Clinton's budget director.

The recipients of the largest campaign contributions from Fannie Mae are Democrats Chris Doss, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.

I'll bet these "questioners" were vetted a lot more carefully beforehand than Palin was before McCain selected her.

Posted by: Richard | September 17, 2008 10:30 PM

When I heard her respond to that person who asked her what her foreign policy experience was I actually felt bad for her. You would think that after her excuse for a performance in the ABC interview that the McCain campaign would prep her for questions like that but appearantly not. McCain actually had to step in and rescue her, in a Republican friendly town hall.

Posted by: Andre | September 17, 2008 10:25 PM

They should get along fine. McCain has learned his lines from his campaign and Palin on national issues was an empty slate and smart enough to learn what she is told.

This team is a lie, the same lie that we have had for eight years. Hopefully Obama can change Washington by presenting a presidency that is based on a honest communication.

Talk radio is part of the problem because they have promoted Bush and only supported McCain when he made his policies sufficiently similar to Bush. They have been supporters of the Washington elite these past years and they are is uninformed on the economy as John McCain.

Senator Obama only has flip flopped all the time. McCain keeps his word.

If any one has doubts, they can ask Senator Hillary and her campaign speeches.

Senator Obama will bring a bring change in White house too. That will astonish everyone. It is a three button change. It will have Yes, No and Present. Senator Obama will happily press Present as he likes doing this. Big change.

Posted by: Kevin | September 17, 2008 10:19 PM

It sounds as if everywhere they go, they are just preaching to their own choir. Who in their right mind would believe she is actually "taking questions"?

Her followers are the kind of people who believe that there were two people, long ago, named Adam and Eve, and that Eve was made by God from Adam's rib. Yup yup, they actually BELIEVE that!!

Now for all you people having a hard time understanding why people actually pay attention to this yay-hoo from the sticks, there is your answer.

No wonder she keeps telling the same lies over and over and over again.

Posted by: lindsay | September 17, 2008 10:18 PM

Didn't George Bush Sr say read my lips...if the McCain campaign is trying to separate themselves from Bush why are they borrowing his line with read my lipstick?

Why is everyone giving Palin a free pass on the fact that she is the biggest tax and spend liberal in the campaign.

She passed the oil company windfall profits tax (raised the tax burden on $100 oil taken from Alaska to $75 - that's right 75% of oil revenue is given to Alaska as taxes thanks to Palin) and spent the money on Alaska big programs and a $1,200 check to every man, woman and child in Alaska.

She is the biggest taxer in the race and she taxed the other 299 million americans for the benefit of Alaska.

So when you go to the pump and pay more for gas to pay for Alaska's party (remember the $1,200 per person checks) thank Palin.

Posted by: reality check | September 17, 2008 10:15 PM

employ the word fascism at inappropriate and idiotic times...vote Obama

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 10:15 PM

I like McCain fine enough. I'm still really disappointed in him for picking Palin to be the Second In Command. That's too unnerving.

Obama's got my vote.

Posted by: MJarvis | September 17, 2008 10:13 PM

Senator flip flopped all the time. If any one has doubts, they can ask Senator Hillary and her campaign speeches.

Senator Obama will bring a bring change in White house too. That will astonish everyone. It is a three button change. It will have Yes, No and Present. Senator Obama will happily press Present as he likes doing this. Big change.

Posted by: Kevin | September 17, 2008 10:09 PM

That was "any real action he ever took". I never said it passed or that he would vote for it today.

Posted by: JakeD | September 17, 2008 10:06 PM

These people simply cannot be elected. Our entire country will collapse.

Posted by: Susan | September 17, 2008 10:02 PM

Kennedy-McCain Immigration Reform never passed, did nothing for U.S. citizens, and McCain flip-flopped and no longer supports his own bill.

Posted by: bgjd1979 | September 17, 2008 9:54 PM

Fight fascism, vote Obama.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 9:52 PM

Example, McCain's tax cut would cut taxes for people making over $500,000.00 per year by 10 of thousands of dollars a year, but give only a few hundred or less to people making $60,000.00 or less. How is this helping working people and the middle class?

Posted by: bgjd1979 | September 17, 2008 9:51 PM

Ohh the vp nominee decides to answer a question a month later, after cramming for weeks. Well, too bad you lost my vote on Day 1 and everyday after. When it became obvious that you couldn't do anything without a script. She's an insult to all hardworking female politicians who are truly prepared from Day 1.

Signs made of lipstick this surely is American politics

Why is this even news that she decides to answer a question a month after her nomination?????????????? American politics are ridiculous. THE FACT THAT IT TOOK HER A MONTH TO ANSWER A QUESTION IS WHAT SHOULD BE THE NEWS.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2008 9:50 PM

Losercuda:

You missed McCain on every morning show yesterday? Do you think Obama will agree to a 9/11 type Commission to reform our economy?

Posted by: JakeD | September 17, 2008 9:49 PM

Please check this out ... the most comprehensive page of information on Sarah Palin on the Internet ... including videos of her saying her proposed $30 billion pipeline is the “will of God,” her saying a month ago she doesn’t know what the vice-president does, and her recently praising the biggest pork barrel spender in Congress Ted Stevens -

It has in-depth research, audio clips, videos, excerpts, and links to hundreds of articles, including many from newspapers and TV stations in Alaska. It has rare footage, including her telling the ‘08 convention of the Alaska Independence Party, whose aim is to give Alaska a vote on seceding from the U.S., to “keep up the good work.” The level of research is unparalled. The site’s editors and volunteers include an Emmy-award winning CNN reporter, the former operating editor of the Monitor’s web site, the former head of NPRs News Blog and the Executive Director of the Online News Association -

OMFG, if this is all they can offer on one of the worst stock market days in history, Obama is looking at 300+ EVs.

If they think they can keep this garbage up for 7 more weeks, they are smoking crack.

Posted by: Losercuda | September 17, 2008 9:45 PM

John McCain has yet to point to any real action he ever took that constitutes "helping the working people." He is the candidate of the party of the wealthy,by the wealthy for the wealthy.

Posted by: bgjd1979 | September 17, 2008 9:42 PM

What is their economic agenda? I don't hear anything accept earmark reform which Obama is for as well. McCain acts as if he's going to balance the budget on earmark reform. It's laughable. He wants to cut taxes heavily for millionaires and offer scraps to middle and lower class families during a recession. McCain also wants to tax Americans on health care. As an independent voter I'm still baffled by the lack of substance coming out of this campaign.